Learning Objectives

3-1 What Is Federalism?

  • Define federalism and explain how Articles I and IV of the U.S. Constitution differentiate between federal government powers, state government powers, and concurrent powers in accordance with the Supremacy Clause of Article VI.

3-2 The History of American Federalism

  • Define the different eras of state–federal relations in American history, and assess the role played by the Supreme Court in articulating the various forms of federalism that prevailed in the modern era.

3-3 Why Federalism? Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Identify the advantages and disadvantages of federalism in terms of fairness and accountability.