Division of power between national, state, and local levels.

Why was the Constitutional Convention held?

To address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

How many levels of government are in the U.S.?

Three levels: national, state, and local.

Considered "laboratories of democracy."

Allows for dynamic interaction between state and national governments.

Federalism in the United States divides power between national, state, and local levels, aiming to balance governance between them.
State governments, described as "laboratories of democracy" by Justice Louis Brandeis, play a crucial role in pioneering new laws and policies that can influence national legislation.

What is federalism?
Division of power between national, state, and local levels.
Why was the Constitutional Convention held?
To address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
How many levels of government are in the U.S.?
Three levels: national, state, and local.
What role do state governments play in federalism?
Considered "laboratories of democracy."
How does federalism impact legislation in the U.S.?
Allows for dynamic interaction between state and national governments.

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Federalism is the system dividing power between national, state, and local levels, outlined in the United States Constitution to balance national and local governance.
The Constitutional Convention in 1787 aimed to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which left the national government powerless and states acting independently.
The Convention, led by figures like James Wilson and James Madison, sought to strengthen the national government while preserving state authority, resulting in the creation of a unique system of government under the Constitution.
Under federalism, the U.S. has three levels of government: national, state, and local, each with distinct responsibilities and powers.
State governments, considered "laboratories of democracy" by Justice Louis Brandeis, often pioneer new laws and policies that may influence national legislation.
Federalism allows for a dynamic interaction between state and national governments, as seen in examples like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the early granting of women's suffrage by states before the 19th Amendment.