The Inherent Tension of a Federal System

In this episode, the Friends of Publius engage in a conversation about the advantages and disadvantages of federalism and how it affects national identity. This question is from Unit 4, Question 2 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. -What are the advantages and disadvantages of the natural tension between state and national authority in our constitutional federal democracy?-What are some significant historical or contemporary examples of federalism-related conflict?  -Do you agree with Justice Black’s claim that the national government is sensitive to the interests of the states, even when federal interests are at stake?