What Is Federalism? A Simple Guide for Everyday Citizens

In the United States, power isn’t held by just one level of government. Instead, it’s shared between the national government in Washington, D.C., and the 50 state governments. This system is called federalism, and it’s one of the defining features of American democracy.

Understanding federalism helps explain why some laws are the same across the country while others vary from state to state—and why citizens sometimes turn to state leaders, sometimes to Congress, and sometimes to both.

The Basics of Federalism

Federalism is a division of powers between two levels of government:

• Federal Government: Handles national and international issues, like defense, foreign policy, and regulating interstate commerce.
• State Governments: Manage local matters, such as education, policing, transportation, and public health.

Both levels have authority, and both must respect the Constitution.

Powers of the Federal Government

The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government certain enumerated powers, including:

• Printing money
• Declaring war
• Regulating trade between states and with foreign nations
• Conducting foreign affairs

It also holds implied powers that come from the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing flexibility as new challenges arise.

Powers of the States

Under the Tenth Amendment, any power not given to the federal government is reserved for the states or the people. Examples include:

• Running elections
• Establishing local governments
• Regulating schools
• Setting most criminal laws
• Overseeing marriage and family law

This gives states flexibility to reflect the values and needs of their residents.

Shared Powers

Some powers are concurrent, meaning both state and federal governments share them. For example:

• Taxation
• Building roads
• Establishing courts
• Enforcing laws

This overlap is part of what makes federalism both practical and sometimes confusing.

Why Federalism Matters

1. Local Control: States can tailor policies to their unique populations, cultures, and economies.
2. Checks and Balances: Federalism prevents too much power from concentrating in one place.
3. Policy Innovation: States often act as “laboratories of democracy,” testing new ideas before they spread nationwide.
4. Citizen Access: People can influence government not just at the national level but through state and local leaders as well.

Challenges of Federalism

• Conflicts Between Levels: When state and federal laws clash, courts decide which prevails (usually federal law under the Supremacy Clause).
• Unequal Policies: Citizens may experience different rights and benefits depending on where they live.
• Complexity: Multiple levels of authority can make it harder to know which government is responsible for an issue.

Final Thoughts

Federalism is the framework that allows the United States to balance unity with diversity. It ensures a strong national government while giving states the freedom to govern their own affairs.

For everyday citizens, understanding what federalism is helps make sense of why laws differ across states, why local elections matter, and how government power is distributed in daily life.