Which statement accurately describes federalism?

The statement that power is shared between national and state governments correctly captures the essence of federalism. Federalism is a system of governance that divides authority and responsibilities between a central (national) government and various regional (state) governments. This division allows both levels of government to operate independently within their respective areas of jurisdiction while also cooperating on issues that may require a coordinated effort.

In a federal system, the national government handles matters that affect the entire country, such as foreign affairs, defense, and trade, while state governments manage local issues like education, transportation, and public safety. This structure not only enables more localized governance but also creates a system of checks and balances that can prevent any single entity from becoming too powerful.

The other statements reflect misunderstandings of federalism. For instance, claiming that it centralizes all power at the national level would contradict the very definition of federalism. Additionally, the assertion that states have no independent powers disregards their authority to legislate and govern in multiple areas. Lastly, stating that all governmental powers are held by local authorities overlooks the important role that both state and national governments play in a federalist system.