What is a key feature of federalism as established by the Constitution?

A key feature of federalism, as established by the Constitution, is the division of power between national and state governments. This means that certain powers are reserved for the federal government, while others are specifically granted to state governments. This structure allows for a system of shared governance, where both levels of government have their own responsibilities and can operate independently within their jurisdictions.

This division of power is crucial because it helps prevent the concentration of power in a single governing body and promotes a balance that can accommodate a diverse range of interests across different states. The framers of the Constitution intended to create a system that would allow local governments to address specific regional needs while still having a unified national policy on important issues.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not align with the principles of federalism as defined in the Constitution. For example, the notion of the central government having unlimited power contradicts the checks and balances that federalism seeks to create. Similarly, the idea that states can nullify federal laws undermines the established authority of the federal government, which is not supported by the Constitution. Lastly, stating that all powers are reserved for the national government overlooks the significant state powers that the Constitution acknowledges and protects.