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Federalism. Definition. Two or more levels of government that have authority over the same area and people. Both national and state governments have areas that they specialize in: National: Economic & Military State: Safety, Health, & Morals.
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Definition Two or more levels of government that have authority over the same area and people.
Both national and state governments have areas that they specialize in: • National: Economic & Military • State: Safety, Health, & Morals
Congress is given its power by enumerated powers clearly listed in the Constitution. • States are given all other powers, known as reserved powers.
Both National and State were empowered by the Constitution & both are a part of amending the Constitution.
What are the benefits of Federalism? • It decentralizes government and creates a further safeguard of liberties • Protects local diversity • Allows for laboratories of democracy
What are the drawbacks of Federalism? • Confusion • Power struggles
Whose power is supreme? The answer is covered in Article VI, known as the Supremacy Clause. Power goes in this order: • The Constitution • Laws of the national government • Treaties • State laws
However, the national government can only make laws within its own sphere of enumerated powers. It can't take away law-making power from the states. *The 10th amendment clears this up by saying that any power not given to the national government are reserved for the states.