What refers to the allocation of authority within different levels of government?

The allocation of authority within different levels of government is accurately described by the term "Division of Powers." This concept refers specifically to how power and responsibilities are distributed among various tiers of government, such as federal, provincial, and local authorities. This allocation is fundamental to understanding how governance operates in a country, particularly in federal systems where distinct layers of government have different roles and powers.

The term emphasizes the constitutional or legal framework that delineates which government level has authority over which areas of policy or law. For instance, in Canada, the Constitution Act, 1867 sets out the areas of jurisdiction granted to the federal and provincial governments, such as criminal law falling under federal jurisdiction while education is typically a provincial matter.

While federalism refers to the broader system of government that involves multiple levels of government, the division of powers specifically addresses the allocation and sharing of authority between these levels. Government structure can refer to the organizational framework of government entities but does not specifically indicate the power distribution aspect. Jurisdictional authority typically pertains to the legal power or ability of a government to make decisions or enforce laws within a specific area but does not encompass the broader concept of how these powers are divided amongst different government levels.