Definition of Federalism
Federalism may be characterized as a system of government under which power is divided between the national government and various state governments. An important feature of federalism is that the national and state governments are each supreme, or sovereign, within their own sphere of power. However, the national government may enact legislation which directly effects the states' citizens without seeking the states' consent.
Under this dual system of sovereignty, the national government is granted those powers...
Source: Great American Court Cases, ©1999 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 1967 words.)
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