Homework Help: Federalism – Viewing Guide
Explain the principle of federalism and how it balances the power between state and federal governments.
Guiding Question
- How does the principle of federalism balance power between the national and state governments?
- How did the division of power for the United States shape early American history?
Objectives
- I can explain the principle of federalism and how it balances the power between state and federal governments.
- I can explain how the division of power between state and federal government shaped early American history.
Resources
Directions: Watch the video, pausing at the timestamps listed below to reflect on each prompt and respond.
| Time and Question | Response |
| 0:00-0:50 Draw a stick figure of yourself surrounded by examples of laws you have to follow. Consider local, state, and national laws. | |
| 0:52 Define Federalism. | |
| 0:53- 2:05 What was the first governing document of the United States called?
Identify four crises the first government could not handle. |
|
| 2:06-3:24 What worried the Anti-Federalists about the newly planned replacement government? | |
| 3:25-4:00 How did Federalists defend the new Constitution’s protections of state powers? | |
| 4:02- 4:40 What other debates between state and federal powers have arisen throughout American history? |
Reflection Questions
- Why did the Founders choose a federal system rather than giving all power to the national government?
- How does the principle of federalism help balance power between state and federal governments?
- In what ways did the division of power between state and federal governments shape key events in early American history?
- Give an example of federalism in action today in your state or community.