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

The term that best describes a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units is federalism. In a federal system, the constitution establishes the distribution of power, ensuring that both the central government and the regional governments (such as states or provinces) have their own rights and responsibilities. This division allows for a balance, enabling local governments to address regional issues while the central government manages national concerns.

Federalism promotes a system of shared governance, providing a framework in which different levels of government can operate independently in their respective spheres. This is a key feature of many democratic nations, including the United States, where both the federal and state governments have specific powers defined by law.

In contrast, a unitary government centralizes power in one national authority, and any regional authorities derive their power from this central entity, lacking independent authority. A confederation involves a loose alliance of independent states or regions that often come together for specific purposes but maintain their sovereignty, making it weaker in terms of central governance compared to federalism. Autocracy concentrates power in a single leader or group, with little to no division of power.