Lesson 39 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareFederalism: Shared Power
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states.
🎯 Your mission
Decide what YOU would do in their shoes.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Women in New Zealand could vote 27 years before women in the US.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states. In the United States, federalism allows both the national and state governments to make laws and govern the people. This shared power means that some responsibilities, like education and transportation, can be managed at the state level, while others, like defense and foreign affairs, are handled by the federal government. Federalism helps to create a balance between local control and national unity.
Key Facts
Federalism divides power between national and state governments.
Both levels of government can create laws and govern citizens.
It allows states to manage local issues while the federal government handles national matters.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What does federalism allow in terms of government power?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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