Study GuideAmerican Government–Federalism1.Concepts of FederalismFederalism is a system of government where power is shared between a national (or federal)government and smaller government units, like states. This is different from:•Unitary government:where one central authority holds most or all of the power.•Confederation:where the states or regions hold most of the power.In the U.S., federalism means that people are governed by several layers at once. For example, anindividual may pay:•Federal income taxto the national government•State and city taxesto their state or city•Property taxesto their county, which help fund schools, roads, and law enforcementOver the 20th century, the federal government gained more power through laws and court decisions.Today, debates continue over whether more power should go back to the states, but arguments aboutthe balance of power between federal and state governments have been ongoing since the countrywas founded.1.1The ConsƟtuƟonal FrameworkThe U.S. Constitution creates a federal system, but it doesn’t explicitly define “federalism.” Theframers wanted astrong national governmentto fix problems under the Articles of Confederation,which gave too much power to the states.Here’s how the Constitution balances power:•Federal government powers:Congress can make laws that are “necessary and proper” andpromote the “general welfare.” These broad clauses have allowed the federal government toexpand its authority over time.•State powers:Originally limited, mostly to voter qualifications and running elections. TheTenth Amendmentclarified that any powers not given to the federal government or denied tothe states belong to the states or the people.Preview Mode
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