Which system of government allows for a division of powers between national and local authorities?

The federal system of government is characterized by a division of powers between national and local authorities. In this system, the constitution delineates specific powers for both levels of government, establishing a framework that allows for shared governance. This division enables local governments to have authority over certain issues, such as education and transportation, while allowing the national government to handle matters like defense and foreign policy.

This structure is designed to cater to the diverse needs of various regions within a country, providing a balanced approach that can be responsive to both local and national interests. By empowering both levels of government, the federal system also enhances participation in the political process, as citizens can engage with their local governments as well as their national representatives.

In contrast, a unitary system centralizes power within a single national authority, limiting the autonomy of local governments. A confederate system features a loose alliance of independent states that retain most of their sovereignty, often resulting in weaker national authority. An oligarchy refers to a political system where power resides with a small group of individuals or families, with no inherent division of power as seen in a federal system. This distinct structure makes the federal system unique in its effective distribution of governance across multiple levels.