Which of the following is NOT typically listed as one of the five structural characteristics of federal systems?

• A. The establishment of an elitist-based legislature determined by population size
• B. Separation of powers between branches
• C. Division of powers
• D. A written constitution

Answer: (D)

The question is testing what features really distinguish federal systems in how power is organized. In federal arrangements, power is divided and shared across levels of government and across branches, with each level having defined authority and with mechanisms to prevent the concentration of power. Separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is a clear marker of this structure, and division of powers between national and subnational governments is the other fundamental piece. A written constitution, while common and important for providing the framework, is not unique to federal systems—many unitary systems also have written constitutions. Because it’s not a distinctive hallmark of federalism, it’s treated as not typically listed among the five structural characteristics in this context. The idea that the legislature would be elitist and determined strictly by population size is also not a standard feature of federal structure, since federations vary in how representation is allocated and tend to emphasize broader representation rather than elitist criteria.