Final answer:
Power in the United States' federal system is divided between the federal government, which holds enumerated powers such as declaring war and regulating commerce, and state governments, with responsibilities for areas like education and public safety. Fiscal federalism allows the federal government to influence state policies through funding. The system requires constant balancing and evolves over time to meet historical and societal needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Power in the Federal System
In the United States, power flows through our federal system by a division of responsibilities between the federal government and the state governments. Great powers, known as enumerated powers, are granted explicitly to the federal government by the Constitution. These powers include the ability to declare war, impose taxes, coin and regulate currency, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and raise and maintain armed forces, among others. At the same time, state governments have powers that are reserved to them, which may include areas such as education, public safety, and local governance. Furthermore, fiscal federalism plays a crucial role today where the federal government uses its control of federal funds to influence state policies and maintain a coordinated system of national public policy, seen for example in transportation infrastructure development and safety laws.
Beneath this layer of federal power, there's a complex web of state and local officials who design their specific institutions and policies, serving as 'laboratories' for democracy. However, challenges exist in balancing the national power with state power due to the different constituencies and need for party unity at various levels of government. While the Constitution provides a framework, it requires the cooperation of state and federal officials within the federal design, leading to changes in the configuration of federalism over time. This balance between federal and state authority evolves with the country's needs and historical context.