Final answer:
The U.S. Constitution first defined the responsibilities of federal and state governments, introducing a unique federal system that allocates shared and distinct powers, as highlighted in the Federalist Papers and throughout the evolution of American federalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which Document Defined the Responsibilities of Federal and Provincial Governments
The document that first defined the responsibilities of federal and provincial (or state) governments is the U.S. Constitution. This paramount legal framework was designed to strike a balance between centralized authority and the autonomy of individual states, establishing a federal government system that was unique in its time. It delineates not only the powers of the federal government but also the concurrent powers shared between the federal and state governments, as well as the reserved powers held by the states alone.
James Madison and Alexander Hamilton contributed significantly to this concept through the Federalist Papers, which argued for a strong central government with separate branches providing checks and balances. The Constitution thus created the foundation for American federalism, allowing both levels of government to collaborate and establish a unified nation while preserving the independence of each state.
Furthermore, the historical context of the Constitution is elucidated by its evolution from the Articles of Confederation, as well as adaptations over time, reflecting different balances of power between national and state authority. The Constitution has remained the bedrock upon which American federalism is built, guiding the harmonious operation of the government across all levels.