1. UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #4 The Federal System LESSON #3 Federalism: The Ongoing Process

2. -Federalism is defined as the division (or sharing) of powers between the national government and the states -Federalism is a complicated idea that is ever-changing -New laws, court decisions and common practices have changed duties and responsibilities of both the national and state governments Page 1 Federalism UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #4 The Federal System LESSON #3 Federalism: The Ongoing Process

3. The State ’ s Rights Position State and local governments should deal with social and economic issues States are closer to the citizens i.e. States should decide whether citizens can conceal and carry a weapon i.e. States should decide whether gay marriages are acceptable Page 2 Opposing Views on Federalism UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #4 The Federal System LESSON #3 Federalism: The Ongoing Process The Nationalist Position The national government is better suited to deal with social and economic issues for all people National laws provide greater consistency

4. Page 3 (continued) UNIT #1 Foundations of U.S. Government CHAPTER #4 The Federal System LESSON #3 Federalism: The Ongoing Process i.e. The national government should decide whether a woman has the right to an abortion Federal Aid to States -The federal government also expands its power over the states in the form of aid (money) to states -This federal money is often used to fund projects and programs within the states -When a state government accepts federal money, they must obey federal guidelines, resulting in greater federal control