What does federalism emphasize in relation to governance?

Federalism emphasizes the division of power between national and state governments, which is foundational to the governance structure in countries like the United States. This system allows for multiple layers of authority, enabling both national and state governments to operate independently within their respective spheres of influence. Each level of government has its own responsibilities and powers, which helps to prevent the concentration of power and protects against tyranny.

Federalism promotes a balance of power that can be beneficial for governance by allowing local states to address specific needs and issues relevant to their populations while also maintaining a cohesive national policy for broader concerns. This division ensures that various levels of government can check and balance each other, fostering accountability and responsiveness to citizens.

The other options do not align with the core principles of federalism. For instance, concentrating power solely in local governments or eliminating state authority contradicts the fundamental concept of having multiple governing bodies that share jurisdiction. Similarly, while the separation of church and state is crucial to maintaining religious freedom and a secular government, it is not a defining characteristic of federalism itself.