1. 8-1: Arrangements of National and State Governments

2. Big Idea: Constitutionalism
Enduring Understanding:
Federalism reflects the dynamic distribution of power between national and state governments.

3. Learning Objectives:
Explain how societal needs affect the constitutional allocation of power between the national and state governments.
Explain how the distribution of powers between national and state governments impacts policymaking.

4. Unitary Governments Centralized system of government
All power vested in a central government
Vast majority of nations have unitary governments
Ruled out by Framers
Bad experience with a distant central government in England

5. Confederal Governments
Decentralized system of government
Weak central government
Limited power over states
No nation has this system today
Articles of Confederation
United Nations

6. Federalism
Power divided between a central government and regional governments
Shared authority between levels
Provides balance of order and freedom

7. Advantages of Federalism
Promotes diverse policies
Encourages experimentation
Encourages creativity
States as “laboratories”
Provides multiple power centers
Difficult for one faction to dominate
Economic interests spread out

8. Advantages of Federalism
Increases democracy
Government closer to people
More opportunities for political participation
Decentralizes political conflict
Multiple access points to government
No one party can dominate

9. Disadvantages of Federalism
Promotes inequality
States differ in resources
Local interests can delay majority support for a policy
Confusion between different levels of government