Federalism: Dividing Power in American Government

Federalism represents the fundamental division of power between the federal government and states, serving as a core animating feature of American government since the Revolution. Dr. Sean Beienburg explores how this constitutional principle works, its history, and why it remains crucial in today's polarized political environment.• Federalism means power is divided, with most authority remaining with states rather than the central government• The Constitution grants "few and defined" powers to the federal government while states retain "numerous and indefinite" powers• The 10th Amendment reinforces that powers not given to the federal government remain with the states or the people• Federalism has been championed by both progressives and conservatives throughout American history• States cannot nullify federal laws but can decline to help enforce them• Federal law is only supreme when the Constitution grants that specific power to the federal government• Federalism limits tyranny, increases government responsiveness, and accommodates America's diverse political preferences• In an era of polarization, federalism allows states to pursue different policies without forcing uniformity Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!School of Civic and Economic Thought and LeadershipCenter for American Civics