This eLesson was written by Julie Oglesby, a member of the BRI teacher council. Show IntroductionFederalism is one of the basic principles of our U.S. Constitution but a complex concept to understand. When the Framers created the Constitution they not only established a system of checks and balances to separate power within the national government, they also divided authority between state and national governments. This division creates clear spheres of responsibility for each level of government, promoting local control and preventing tyranny, or the concentration of power, in the hands of one body. In this eLesson, students will describe the concept of Federalism and explain the important role it plays in the U.S. constitutional system. Essential Question: Why is Federalism important in a Constitutional Republic? Objectives
DirectionsOpening Class Activity: 10-15 minutes On the board, make a chart with 3 categories: Decisions parents/guardians make, Decisions teenagers and parents/guardians make together, and Decisions teenagers make on their own. As a class, fill out the chart. In the end, define federalism and ask students the following questions:
Federalism: The division of power between the national and state governments. Group Work: 15-20 minutes On the board, make another chart with 3 categories: Powers of the national government, Powers shared by national and state governments, and Powers of state governments. Cut out large slips of paper with the following statements. Have one student at time (or a pair of students) place it in the category they believe it best fits and discuss as a class why it was correct or move it to the correct spot. Federalism Examples
Questions5-10 minutes Have students write one-two paragraphs answering the following essential questions. They must provide evidence to support their beliefs.
ExtensionStudents may complete the following information as an extension activity. If you had just declared independence from Great Britain and wanted to create your own government, what powers would you give to the national government and what powers would you reserve for the state government? Try to think of at least 5 for each. Explain in complete sentences and a well-organized paragraph why you gave certain powers to each form of government. Consider what problems you might encounter and possible changes that may need to be made in the future. What power is shared by state and national governments?Concurrent powers refers to powers which are shared by both the federal government and state governments. This includes the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.
What powers are shared by the national and state governments quizlet?Powers that are shared by the federal and state governments are called concurrent powers.
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