What type of government is characterized by the division of power between a central authority and individual states?

A federal system is characterized by the division of power between a central authority and individual states, creating a structure where both levels of government operate independently within their own spheres of authority. In this arrangement, the central government typically handles national concerns, such as defense and foreign policy, while states manage local issues, such as education and public safety. This division allows for a balance of power, accommodating the diverse needs and preferences of various regions while still maintaining a unified national framework.

In contrast, a unitary system consolidates power within a central government, with any regional authorities deriving their authority from that central body, often lacking significant independence. A confederation, on the other hand, consists of independent states that delegate certain powers to a central authority, resulting in a weaker central government with limited capability to enforce decisions. A monarchy involves rule by a single sovereign leader, which does not inherently include a distribution of power in the way that a federal system does.