A Non-Partisan Perspective on Federalism

            Federalism is a very important and often misunderstood aspect of the American political system. Federalism involves the harmonious distribution of responsibilities and obligations between the states and the federal government. The Constitution set it up and it is the balance of power between each of the state governments of the U.S. and the national government. Therefore, the preservation of sovereign power in each of the States is embodied in the doctrine of federalism (Antinori, 2012, 1). The principles of American federalism created in the 18th century, continue today. The balance of power between national and state governments and changes in federalism has evolved in U.S. history. For example, national government power has expanded over state power through Supreme Court decisions, constitutional amendments, executive orders, and federal statutes. World Wars, the Great Depression, The Cold War, and civil rights movements, have all influenced the growth of national power within the federal system. From Nixon to Reagan, however, New Federalism sought to return power to the states (Drake, 2002, 1). .
             The Framers of the U.S. Constitution worked to create a system of government that would be familiar to Americans but could remedy many problems experienced under the Articles of Confederation. Alexander Hamilton, proponent of a strong national government, argued that for the nation to survive, it was critical for national government to be the leading force in all-political affairs. He argued for federalism to prevent tyranny; by which states could serve as testing grounds for new policies and programs. Federalists also felt that any concentration of power would work to the disadvantage of the people. They feared that popularly elected representatives would eventually try to concentrate their control and tyranny would reign (O'Connor, 1993, 64). So in designing the new federal system of government, the Framers knew they could not define precisely how all relations between national government and individual states would work.