Final answer:
The founding fathers established a balance of power through a federal system that delineates powers between the national government and the states, through expressed, implied, and inherent powers backed by a checks and balances system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The founding fathers faced a significant 'balancing act' while drafting the U.S. Constitution, aiming to create a strong national government that could effectively manage the country while also allowing for states to maintain substantial self-governing powers. Through a federal framework, they devised a plan that allocated specific powers to the national government, such as defense and interstate commerce, and left others to the states. This established a dual layer of governance where the states and the federal government could operate autonomously within their respective spheres of influence.
Federalism's key components involve the distribution of power between the national and state governments. The existence of expressed, implied, and inherent powers helps detail the nature of the federal government's responsibilities, with clear delineation where necessary. The Constitution additionally includes a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, helping to maintain a balance between individual liberty and social stability.
The powers that are specifically granted to the federal government, like maintaining an army or regulating interstate commerce, enable it to fulfill its fundamental duties to the nation as a whole. Concurrently, states retain powers over local issues and legislation that are closer to the citizens' daily lives. Our government system uses various methods to keep the federal and state powers in balance, often adjusting and interpreting these powers' extents as necessary to respond to changes in the country's needs and values.
Ultimately, the federalism in place in the United States seeks to create an equilibrium that honors the principle of self-governance at the state level while upholding a strong and capable national government to handle overarching national concerns.