Federalism: Evolution and Effiency

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Federalism is the system of government that divides power between a central government and the regional government. The idea of federalism came about after the American Revolution when the drafters of the Constitution were debating over the roles of the national and state governments. The Federalists carefully planned out their idea of federalism and ensured that their view would best handle their concerns and issues. In Madison’s Federalist 51, he explains many key concepts that he believed were important to the foundation of a new government. Since Madison’s Federalist 51, there have been many changes made to the federalist system, which now allows the central government to act with the original powers of the states. Although federalism has changed, it is still a very effective system of government implemented in the United States and that could be implemented anywhere. The Articles of Confederation was the United States method of making itself official. The purpose of the Articles of Confederation was to establish government, but limit the central government. The states under the Articles of Confederation were able to act independently of the others and of the nation. “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.” (Articles of Confederation, Article II) By viewing the central government as dangerous, the states were able to make destructive decisions and feud with each other. The need for reform was established at the Annapolis Convention. A resolution was drafted, but it did not speak of any future actions to fix the Articles of Confederation. (Lowi et al.,38) Afte... ... middle of paper ... .... 676. US Supreme Court. 1819. Print. James Madison, "Federalist #10," in The Federalist Papers, ed. David T. Canon, Coleman, John J., Mayer, Kenneth R. (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011), p. 78. Alexander Hamilton, "Federalist #15," in The Federalist Papers, ed. David T. Canon, Coleman, John J., Mayer, Kenneth R. (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011), p. 78. James Madison, "Federalist #51," in The Federalist Papers, ed. David T. Canon, Coleman, John J., Mayer, Kenneth R. (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011), p. 78. James Madison, "Federalist #46," in The Federalist Papers, ed. David T. Canon, Coleman, John J., Mayer, Kenneth R. (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011), p. 78. Peterson, Paul. "From The Price of Federalism." The Enduring Debate. David T. Canon, John J. Coleman, and Kennneth R. Mayer. 6th ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 2011. 100-08.

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