What principle is used to describe the government's ability to share powers?

The principle that best describes the government's ability to share powers is federalism. Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This structure allows for shared governance, where different levels of government have their own responsibilities and powers, while also being interdependent. This division and sharing of powers enable multiple layers of authority, promoting a balance between local and national governance.

Separation of powers, although important, specifically refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from having too much power. Checks and balances are mechanisms that ensure these branches can monitor and limit each other's functions, safeguarding against abuse of power. Unitary government, on the other hand, centralizes authority in a single national government, leaving little room for power distribution among smaller governs. Thus, federalism correctly captures the essence of power-sharing as it involves multiple levels of government operating simultaneously.