The Inherent Tension of a Federal System episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 16, 2025 · 1H 8M

The Inherent Tension of a Federal System

from The Constitution in American Life: Featuring the Friends of Publius · host Mike

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?

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 co...

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The Inherent Tension of a Federal System

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This episode is 1 hour and 8 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 16, 2025.

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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...

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