Final answer:
Federalism in the U.S. is the division of governmental powers between a central authority and individual states, with certain powers shared between both levels (concurrent powers), and others reserved for states (reserved powers).
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Federalism in the U.S. Constitution
Federalism is a foundational concept in the United States Constitution, establishing a system of government in which power is distributed between a central authority and individual states. This division of powers is designed to allow for a balance between national and state interests, ensuring that neither level of government becomes too powerful. The Constitution sets forth the structure of federalism through various provisions, some of which grant and limit powers to the national government while others do the same for the states. The balance of powers is maintained through a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government.
The powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. This principle is known as the reserved powers doctrine. Federalism in the United States has evolved over time, with shifts in the balance between national power and state power occurring in response to social, political, and economic pressures.
When constructing the diagram of separated and overlapping powers among federal, state, and local governments, one could categorize powers into those solely held by the federal government (e.g., international relations, printing money), those shared between federal and state governments (known as concurrent powers, like taxation and building infrastructure), and those retained by the states (reserved powers, such as education and police powers). The Constitution's flexibility has allowed for these roles to adapt over time, while still maintaining the balance that characterizes federalism.