Final answer:
Federalism is a system dividing governmental power between the central government and the states. The balance of power is meant to be dynamic, changing with historical phases to effectively handle policy challenges. The evolution of federalism has involved shifts between state and federal authority levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federalism is a political system where sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces). This system allows for a balance of power between the central and state governments, with certain powers exclusively held at different levels of government.
For instance, the federal government can negotiate treaties, whereas state governments have the authority to regulate driving laws. According to the author of the passage, the balance of power should allow for flexibility and adaptation over time.
As historical phases change, so does the configuration of federalism. While the passage does not specify where the balance of power should currently be placed, it suggests that there should be a dynamic equilibrium between state and federal authority, allowing both to address various policy contingencies effectively.
The evolution of American federalism has seen shifts between decentralization and centralization. At times, states have held more power, while at other times, the federal government's power has been more pronounced.
This has been influenced by factors such as political philosophy, societal needs, and historical events that have necessitated changes in the distribution of governmental powers.