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What Is Federalism

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What is Federalism?

Diana Reed

POL110103

Professor Julie Waldon

May 17, 2015

There are several systems of governments in the world today. Examples include Federalism, Monarchy and Democratic. Federalism is a form of command where two or more governments share authority over the same territory. In this system, the autonomy to carry out any state directive is given to State governments. In addition, there are other functions, which have to be made in relation to the regulations of the reigning regime. The constitution stipulates all the services done by central government and the roles conducted by the state government. The state authority had the mandate of controlling roads, sanitation and education duties. The Central government, on the other hand, contains its power, which includes standard defence and the supremacy clause.

Federalism has undergone changes and its part of the American history. The role of national and state governments has also evolved over time. Furthermore, the federal government has been given more mandates in the 21th century. Dual federalism emerged after the Americans got their independence from British rule at the end of World War 2. The Constitution was created, and it provided for two types of government in the United States. The national government had powers to handle issues related to national security, foreign policy, and promoting commerce. State government, on the other hand, dealt with local matters, which include economic regulation system and criminal law within its areas of jurisdiction. This type of federalism is also referred as layer cake federalism meaning that roles of national government and the States have different functions created not to overlap other (Tarr, 2005).

The Civil and the 14th Amendment of 1861-1868 hugely contributed to the evolution of

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