Federalism

Definition

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. It establishes a relationship between the national government and state/local governments, defining their respective powers, responsibilities, and limitations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Federalism is a fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes a system of shared sovereignty between the national government and the state governments.
2. The Commerce Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce, which has been interpreted to give the national government significant authority over economic activities.
3. The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution reserves all powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, establishing the states' rights and autonomy within the federalist system.
4. The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses have been used to apply certain constitutional protections against state governments, expanding the reach of federal power.
5. Debates over the balance of power between federal and state governments, known as the 'federalism debate,' have been a recurring theme throughout U.S. history and have shaped the evolution of American governance.

Review Questions

• Explain how the principle of federalism is reflected in the structure and powers of the U.S. government.
  • The principle of federalism is fundamental to the U.S. government, as it establishes a system of shared sovereignty between the national government and the state governments. The Constitution grants specific powers to the federal government, such as the ability to regulate interstate commerce, while reserving all other powers to the states or the people, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. This division of authority and the checks and balances between the national and state governments are central to the federalist framework of American governance.
• Analyze how the Commerce Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment have been used to expand the reach of federal power and influence the balance of power between the national and state governments.
  • The Commerce Clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to grant the federal government broad authority to regulate economic activities, including those that occur within state borders but have an impact on interstate commerce. This has allowed the national government to exert significant control over a wide range of economic and social issues. Additionally, the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses have been used to apply certain constitutional protections against state governments, further expanding the reach of federal power and influencing the balance of power between the national and state governments.
• Evaluate the ongoing debate over the appropriate balance of power between the federal government and the states, and how this debate has shaped the evolution of American federalism.
  • The 'federalism debate' over the appropriate balance of power between the federal government and the states has been a recurring theme throughout U.S. history. Proponents of strong federal authority argue that it is necessary to address national issues and ensure consistent protections for individual rights, while advocates of state autonomy contend that it preserves the principles of local self-governance and limits the concentration of power. This debate has shaped the evolution of American federalism, leading to the development of different models, such as dual federalism and cooperative federalism, and influencing landmark Supreme Court decisions that have either expanded or restricted the scope of federal power. The ongoing tension between national and state interests continues to be a defining feature of the U.S. system of government.

Related terms

Dual Federalism: A model of federalism where the national and state governments have clearly defined, mutually exclusive areas of authority, with each level of government being supreme within its own sphere.

Cooperative Federalism: A model of federalism where the national and state governments collaborate and share responsibilities in addressing issues, rather than having strictly separate domains.

Preemption: The doctrine that federal law trumps state law when the two conflict, allowing the federal government to override state regulations in certain areas.