Which of the following is a characteristic of federalism?

Federalism is defined by a system of governance that divides powers between a central authority and various regional authorities, such as states or provinces. This structure allows for a distribution of power across different levels of government, enabling both the national government and local governments to operate within their respective domains. The principle of federalism promotes the idea that multiple entities can govern concurrently, with each having certain powers and responsibilities.

In the context of the options presented, the characteristic of federalism that highlights the importance of this division of power is indeed the distribution of power. This distribution allows for greater representation of diverse interests, local governance tailored to regional needs, and a system of checks and balances that can prevent any single entity from wielding excessive force over governance. As such, this characteristic is foundational to federal systems like that of the United States, where both the federal government and state governments have the ability to legislate and govern in their areas of jurisdiction.