The distinguishing feature of a federal government is that governing or ruling power is divided between different levels of government. This means that there are multiple levels of government that share power and authority, with each level having its own set of responsibilities and areas of jurisdiction.

Here is a detailed explanation of this distinguishing feature:

Federalism and Power Distribution:
- In a federal government, power is shared between the central or national government and the provincial or state governments. This distribution of power is enshrined in the constitution and provides a framework for governance.
- The national government is responsible for handling national-level issues such as defense, foreign policy, and currency, while the provincial governments have authority over local matters like education, healthcare, and transportation.
- The division of power ensures that both levels of government have the autonomy and authority to make decisions within their respective jurisdictions, without interference from the other level.

Balance of Power:
- Federalism aims to strike a balance between the centralization of power in a unitary system and the fragmentation of power in a confederal system.
- By dividing power between the national and provincial governments, federalism ensures that no single level of government becomes too dominant or overbearing.
- This balance of power helps to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or institutions, promoting a system of checks and balances.

Cooperative Governance:
- In a federal system, the national and provincial governments work together to govern the country or region.
- While they have distinct areas of authority, they also collaborate and coordinate on matters of mutual concern, such as economic development, infrastructure projects, and disaster management.
- This cooperative governance allows for the pooling of resources and expertise, leading to more effective and efficient decision-making and policy implementation.

Flexibility and Local Autonomy:
- Federalism allows for flexibility and adaptation to regional diversity and local needs.
- The provincial governments have the freedom to address specific issues that are unique to their regions, taking into account the cultural, social, and economic differences that exist within the country.
- This local autonomy enables provinces to tailor policies and programs to better serve their populations, promoting a sense of ownership and participation in the democratic process.

In conclusion, the distinguishing feature of a federal government is the division of governing or ruling power between different levels of government. This feature promotes a balance of power, cooperative governance, flexibility, and local autonomy, ensuring the effective and inclusive governance of a country or region.