Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A system of government where all powers are held by a central authority or national government. Local governments exist but derive their powers from the central authority.
A system of government where powers are divided between a central authority and regional or state governments, each having their own areas of jurisdiction.