What is the term for the sharing of powers between national and state governments?

Prepare for the Wisconsin Civics Test graduation requirement. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed in your exam. Get ready to ace your test!

The term that describes the sharing of powers between national and state governments is federalism. This system allocates responsibilities and powers at different levels of government, allowing both the national and state governments to operate independently within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Federalism is a defining feature of the United States' government structure, where certain powers are reserved for the federal government, while others are reserved for state governments. This balance is intended to ensure that no single entity holds excessive power and that both levels of government can effectively govern and serve the needs of their citizens. In contrast, other terms mentioned, like a unitary system or confederation, describe different structures of governance that do not involve the same division of powers.

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