What term describes a government system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units?

The term that describes a government system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units is federalism. In a federal system, the constitution typically delineates the distribution of powers between the national government and regional governments, such as states or provinces. This division allows for a balance of power, as both the central authority and the local governments can make decisions and enact laws within their respective areas of responsibility.

Federalism promotes diversity in governance and allows regional governments to tailor their policies to better fit the unique needs and preferences of their local populations. For instance, in federal systems like that of the United States, states have the autonomy to enact laws on a variety of issues, while the federal government maintains authority over matters concerning national interest, such as defense and foreign policy. This structure often fosters collaboration and negotiation between the different levels of government, creating a dynamic system of governance.

In contrast, other terms such as monarchy describe a system where power is held by a single ruler, while a unitary system centralizes authority within the national government, leading to little to no autonomy for regional entities. A confederation typically involves a loose alliance of independent states or entities working together while retaining their sovereignty, which does not effectively characterize a system where power is constitution