What are federalism or dual federalism in constitutional law?

Question

i'm studying for my constitutional law exam and i see those words, i thought i understood them but i dont...what is it exactly?? thank you

Answer 1

Political federalism is a political philosophy in which a group of members are bound together (Latin: foedus, covenant) with a governing representative head. The term federalism is also used to describe a system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces). Federalism is the system in which the power to govern is shared between the national & state governments, creating what is often called a federation. Proponents are often called federalists.

Dual federalism is the belief that having separate but equal branches of government is the best option. This form of government works on the principle that the national and state governments are split into their own spheres, and each is supreme in its respective sphere. Specifically, dual federalism discusses the relationship between the national government and the states' governments. According to this theory, there are certain limits placed on the federal government. These limits are:

a. National government rules by enumerated powers only

b. National government has a limited set of constitutional purposes

c. Each governmental unit—state and federal—is sovereign within its sphere of operations

d. Relationship between nation and states is best summed up as tension rather than cooperation

It is the tension that arises from the needs of the individual states and the federal government that generates much of the laws of the United States. This tension is the result of the premise that neither the state government nor the national government is supposed to be over the other; they are equal partners, in theory, in governing the fifty republics (such as the Republic of California) or states that make up the United States.