How does the Constitution address the distribution of powers?

The Constitution creates a system of federalism, which is a fundamental principle that defines the relationship between different levels of government in the United States. This system allows for power to be divided and shared between the national government and state governments. The framers of the Constitution sought to balance power to prevent any one entity from becoming too powerful.

Federalism is articulated through various sections of the Constitution, such as the Supremacy Clause in Article VI, which establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws. Additionally, certain powers are expressly designated to the federal government, while others are reserved for the states, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. This division helps to ensure that states can govern themselves in many areas, while the national government handles issues that affect the country as a whole, such as defense and foreign affairs.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the distribution of powers as outlined in the Constitution, as they focus either solely on state powers, suggest a complete centralization of authority, or imply an absence of any mention of power distribution. Therefore, the embodiment of federalism within the Constitution is essential for understanding how power is allocated and managed in the U.S. governmental system.