explain five importance of federalism
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Federalism plays an integral part in the growth and development of the United States of America and is a key factor in determining the basis of power in this country. Clearly, the term federalism can be understood in many different ways pertaining to each person's view, but it can be more broadly defined in terms of the separation between the state and federal government. Thomas E. Patterson defines federalism as, “the division of sovereignty, or ultimate governing authority, between a national government and regional (that is, state) governments. Each directly governs the people and derives its authority from them” (Patterson 74). He then goes on to give a more basic definition with, “American Federalism is basically a system of …show more content…
These powers provide the federal and the state governments with their role in the function of federalism. Further, Article VI gives the dominant rule of law to the federal government over the states rights in case there is ever a misunderstanding. The Framers of the Constitution were worried that providing such a narrow definition would result in the government being unable to adapt to change (Patterson 78). Thus, the implied powers are stated in the Constitution under Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 better known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, and gives Congress the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers.” This clause allows Congress to adapt to change and implement laws which are necessary given the time. The remaining powers are then given to the states by the Tenth Amendment. Federalism outlined in the Constitution allows for a separation of powers and provides specifics for each level, which ultimately allows for a more balanced form of government. It has been more than 200 years since the Constitution was formulated and federalism has been through many different interpretations throughout the years.