Federalism played a big role in creating the Constitution. It helped decide how power is shared between the national and state governments. Let’s break down how it worked:

1. Historical Context:

   • After the American Revolution, there was a system called the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789). This set up a weak national government, which caused problems like money issues and fights between states.
   • In 1787, Shays’ Rebellion showed that we needed a stronger federal government to keep things in order.

2. Constitutional Framework:

   • The Constitution set up a federal system where powers are divided between the national and state levels.
   • Enumerated Powers: Article I, Section 8 explains specific powers that Congress has, like collecting taxes and controlling trade.
   • Reserved Powers: The Tenth Amendment says that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states and the people.

3. Compromise and Conflict:

   • The Great Compromise helped balance how states were represented. In the House, representation is based on population, while in the Senate, each state has an equal say.
   • Federalism lets different areas create their own policies to meet local needs, while still keeping the country united.

4. Outcomes:

   • This system creates checks and balances, which means that power is shared. This helps prevent one group from becoming too powerful.
   • As of 2023, there have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, showing how federalism has changed and adapted to fit society over time.