Lesson 71 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareFederalism: Shared Power
Federalism is a governance system established by the United States Constitution that divides power between the national and state governments.
🎯 Your mission
Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Women in New Zealand could vote 27 years before women in the US.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
Federalism is a governance system established by the United States Constitution that divides power between the national and state governments. This structure allows for a balance of power, enabling both levels of government to operate independently while also collaborating on shared responsibilities. The Constitution enumerates specific powers for the federal government, while reserving others for the states. This dual sovereignty ensures that local needs can be addressed by state governments, while national issues are managed at the federal level, promoting a more effective and responsive government.
Key Facts
Federalism divides power between the national and state governments.
The Constitution specifies powers for both levels of government.
This system allows for local needs to be addressed by state governments.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What does federalism divide?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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