Federalism is a complex topic. But at its core is a division of powers and duties for federal, state, and local governments.

Directions:

1. Study the illustration below carefully, for each of the categories in this diagram, think of two additional powers that could be added to the list.
2. Record your answers in the Discussion Board in the forum titled Federalism and Government Power.
3. See what others have added here as well. Are there any similarities? Differences? What does this tell you about governmental power in the United States?
4. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts to create a dialogue on this topic.

Make sure that you post to the Discussion Board and respond to at least two (2) comments from your classmates to receive credit for this assignment.

5. After you post to the discussion board, use the illustration below to complete this Federalism and the Division of Powers worksheet. | MS Word | PDF |

Submit your completed worksheet as a Word document in the Assignments Folder.

LARGER IMAGE

Federalism can be further understood by examining two different views of governing power in the United States. The "states' rights" position favors state and local jurisdictions in most matters, while the "nationalist" position favors the federal government taking the lead in public policy making.

Many times these two views clash and the debate is centered on how you interpret the Supremacy Clause and the Tenth Amendment.  Do these two parts of the Constitution compliment each other, or are they in conflict? 

Directions:

1. Read Article VI (6) of the Constitution and the Tenth Amendment carefully.

2. Decide which position you support—states' rights or the nationalist position?

3. Write a well-supported response to defend your position and post it in the Discussion Board in the forum titled "States' Rights v. Nationalist". See how others have responded when you post your answer.

Make sure that you post to the Discussion Board and respond to at least two (2) comments from your classmates to receive credit for this assignment.