Balancing state and federal power

Definition

This refers to the distribution of political authority between the state and federal government. It's a key principle in the U.S. Constitution that ensures no single entity has absolute control.

Analogy

Think of it like a seesaw on a playground. Both sides need to be balanced for it to function properly. If one side (state or federal) becomes too powerful, it can disrupt the balance and cause problems.

Related terms

Federalism: The system of government where power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and constituent political units (states).

Tenth Amendment: An amendment in the U.S Constitution that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to states, are reserved for the states respectively, or to people.

Supremacy Clause: A clause within Article VI of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that federal law is "the supreme law of land," meaning when state laws conflict with federal ones, federal laws take precedence.