What is often regarded as a fundamental principle of the United States government?

Federalism is regarded as a fundamental principle of the United States government because it defines the system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states. This structure allows for a balance of power, where both the national and state governments have their own roles and responsibilities. It ensures that no single entity has complete control, promoting local governance while still maintaining a unified national policy. This division of power supports the rights of states and protects citizens from potential overreach by a centralized government.

In contrast, systems like dictatorship, oligarchy, and autocracy centralize power in the hands of a single leader or a small group, which is not reflective of the democratic ideals upon which the United States was founded. The U.S. government relies on federalism to allow for representation, protect individual liberties, and enhance the responsiveness of government to the people. Thus, federalism is essential to understanding the structure and function of the U.S. government.