What is the primary characteristic of federalism?

The primary characteristic of federalism is that power is distributed among different levels of government. In a federal system, governance is shared between at least two levels, typically a national (or central) government and various subnational entities such as states or provinces. This structure allows for a division of responsibilities, enabling each level of government to exercise its authority in specific areas that are determined by the constitution or governing laws.

This distribution is crucial because it helps balance the power between national and local governments, ensuring that neither level is too powerful and that they can effectively govern various aspects of the public's needs. For example, in the United States, the federal government handles national defense and foreign policy, while state governments manage areas like education and transportation, tailoring their approaches to the unique needs of their populations.

The other options do not accurately describe federalism. Concentration of power in a single government level characterizes a unitary system, while power held solely by citizens suggests a direct democracy rather than a system of governance. Interchangeability of power might imply a more fluid relationship than the distinct, constitutionally delineated powers inherent in federal systems.