What term describes the division of power between national and state governments?

The term that describes the division of power between national and state governments is federalism. Federalism is a system of governance where power is shared between a central authority and individual political units, such as states. This arrangement allows each level of government to operate independently within its own sphere while still being part of a larger governing framework.

In the context of the United States Constitution, federalism is foundational, as it establishes the balance of authority between the national government and state governments, allowing them to have jurisdiction over certain areas without overstepping into each other's roles. This division helps to protect individual liberties by ensuring that no single entity has absolute power over the entirety of governance.

In contrast, separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power. Checks and balances are mechanisms that give each branch some measure of influence over the other branches, ensuring that powers remain balanced and no branch becomes too strong. Direct democracy is a form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making, rather than through elected representatives.

Understanding federalism is crucial because it highlights how the system functions in practice and the principles of governance that shaped the Constitution.