Constitutional Principle
Federalism
What is Federalism?
Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between the central government and smaller regional governments.
Who Influenced the United States to include Federalism?
Montesquieu was an important philosopher that influenced the United States. He believed in Separation of Powers and the idea of limited government. Through this the United States made their government based on Federalism.
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited to it by the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
The states have power on things that are not given to the national government.
Marbury vs Madison
In this case their was a problem between the regional government and central government because the Federalism concept wasn't perfected. John Adams had issued a commission of justice of peace. The secretary of state refused to deliver it and this was one of the first times that the national and regional government had a problem wit sharing of power.
"The Congress shall have Power . . . To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes."
The national government has power through regulating commerce.
Why is the idea of Federalism significant in the Constitution?
It helped shape the government and make it how it is today. It also evened out the power between the Central government and the Regional government. This principle inspired the creators of our Constitution to create a better government then the Articles of Confederation did.
Federalism