Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units such as states, provinces, or territories. This distribution of power allows each level of government to have some degree of autonomy and decision-making power, while still remaining part of the larger political system.
In a federal system, the central government has certain powers and responsibilities that are specified in a constitution or other governing document. These may include matters of national defense, foreign policy, and the regulation of interstate commerce. The constituent political units, on the other hand, are granted powers that are not specifically assigned to the central government and are responsible for managing their own internal affairs, such as education, healthcare, and local law enforcement.
Federalism is often seen as a way to balance competing interests between different levels of government, and to promote greater stability and democratic representation in large and diverse countries. However, it can also create tensions and conflicts between the central and local governments, particularly when there are disagreements over the distribution of power or resources.
Federalists and Anti-Federalists were political factions in the late 18th century fight over ratifying the United States Constitution.
Federalists favored ratifying the Constitution and establishing a strong central government, whilst Anti-Federalists opposed it and argued for states’ rights and a limited federal government.
The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Adams, advocated for a strong central government and economic system. They believed that the new Constitution would provide the necessary framework for the country’s stability and prosperity.
Also Read: Jefferson vs Hamilton
The Anti-Federalists, on the other side, were afraid that a strong federal government would damage states’ rights and individual liberty. They said that the proposed Constitution gave the central government too much power and did not fully protect citizens’ rights.
The Federalists eventually won the debate, and the US Constitution was approved in 1788. The battle between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, on the other hand, raged on and had a long-lasting impact on the evolution of American politics and government.
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