Historical events have changed the way state and federal governments work together in the United States. These changes came from important laws and court decisions.

1. New Deal Era (1933-1939):

   • The Great Depression made things really tough for people. President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to take action by launching the New Deal. This plan gave more power to the federal government to help the economy.
   • During this time, the federal government started many organizations like the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These agencies meant the federal government was now involved in state matters more than before.

2. Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s):

   • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 made sure the federal government would step in to fight against unfair state laws that treated minorities badly.
   • This era saw more federal involvement in state policies, showing a new way to protect civil rights for everyone.

3. Supreme Court Decisions:

   • Important court cases like McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) confirmed that the federal government has more power than states. For example, states cannot tax the federal government.
   • In Wickard v. Filburn (1942), the Court decided that the federal government could regulate local business activities if they impacted trade between states. This showed that federal power could be interpreted widely.

4. Statistics:

   • By 2022, about 28% of the country's money was spent by the federal government. This is a big deal because it shows how much the federal government now controls areas that were usually run by states.
   • Each year, the federal government gives over $1 trillion in grants to states. This funding greatly affects what states can do with their programs and policies.

In short, key events like the New Deal, the Civil Rights Movement, and important Supreme Court decisions have changed how power is shared between the federal and state governments. We can see a trend toward a stronger federal government taking charge in response to economic, social, and legal challenges.