What concept describes the division of power in U.S. governance?

The concept that describes the division of power in U.S. governance is federalism. Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central government and smaller political units, such as states. In the context of the United States, this means that both the federal government and state governments have their own powers and responsibilities, which allows for a balance that can accommodate diverse interests and regional differences.

This division of power aims to prevent any single entity from gaining too much control, fostering a system of checks and balances that is essential to the functioning of democracy in the U.S. Through federalism, certain powers are reserved for the states, while others are granted to the federal government, creating a complex interplay that enhances governance and representation.

In contrast, monarchy denotes a governance system where a single ruler, such as a king or queen, holds significant power, usually inherited, and does not involve the same distribution of authority. Democracy broadly refers to a system of governance by the whole population or eligible members, typically through elected representatives, but does not specifically address the division of powers. Centralism is a governance model that consolidates power at the central authority, limiting the autonomy of local or regional governments, which goes against the principles of federalism.