Which system describes the national and state governments as coequal within their own spheres?

• A. Dual Federalism
• B. Federalism
• C. Cooperative Federalism
• D. Fiscal Federalism

Answer: (A)

Dual federalism describes a system in which the national government and state governments are sovereign in their own clearly defined spheres. Each level has its own powers and operates independently within those domains, like distinct layers in a layer-cake. The national government handles national concerns such as defense and foreign affairs, while states manage matters like education and policing. This separation reflects the early U.S. arrangement with relatively non-overlapping powers. Other terms describe different patterns: federalism is the general idea of shared power, cooperative federalism involves more intermingling and joint programs, and fiscal federalism focuses on how money and grants shape power. So, describing coequal, separate spheres fits best with dual federalism.