Federalism in the United States | US government and civics | Khan Academy

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of federalism in the United States, explaining the relationship between state and federal governments. Understanding federalism is crucial for grasping how power is distributed in the U.S. political system and its implications for governance and civic engagement.

Step 1: Understand the Concept of Federalism

• Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states).
• In the U.S., this means that power is shared between the federal government and the state governments.
• Key characteristics include:
  • Exclusive Powers: Powers reserved only for the federal government (e.g., declaring war, regulating interstate commerce).
  • Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., tax collection, law enforcement).
  • Reserved Powers: Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or prohibited to the states, which are reserved for the states (e.g., education, local law enforcement).

Step 2: Explore the Historical Context

• Federalism was established in the U.S. Constitution, which aimed to balance power and prevent tyranny.
• The Federalist Papers, particularly No. 10 and No. 51, articulate the benefits of a federal system, emphasizing checks and balances.
• Historical events, such as the Civil War and the New Deal, illustrate shifts in the balance of power between state and federal governments.

Step 3: Examine the Types of Federalism

• Dual Federalism: A clear distinction between federal and state powers, often likened to a layer cake.
• Cooperative Federalism: A more intertwined relationship, where both levels of government collaborate on various issues, resembling a marble cake.
• Understand how these models impact policy-making and governance in practice.

Step 4: Identify Key Issues in Federalism

• Examine contemporary issues influenced by federalism, such as:
  • Healthcare (e.g., Medicaid expansion)
  • Environmental regulations
  • Education policies
• Analyze how these issues reflect the ongoing negotiation of power between state and federal governments.

Step 5: Recognize the Importance of Federalism in Civic Engagement

• Federalism encourages citizen participation at multiple levels of government.
• Individuals can engage with local, state, and federal representatives to influence policy.
• Understanding federalism empowers citizens to navigate complex political landscapes and advocate for their interests effectively.

Conclusion

Federalism is a foundational element of the U.S. government, shaping the relationship between state and federal authorities. By understanding its principles, historical context, types, and contemporary issues, you can better appreciate how this structure influences governance and civic engagement. For further exploration, consider visiting the Khan Academy for more detailed lessons on U.S. government and civics.