Final answer:
Federalism, as defined by the framers of the United States Constitution, is a governance system where power is shared between the national government and the states, ensuring national laws have supremacy while states retain sovereignty over their own internal affairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Federalism
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states. In the context of the United States Constitution, the framers established a federal system that balances the powers and responsibilities between the national and state governments. This structure ensures that the national law supersedes that of the states, creating a cohesive legal system while preserving the sovereignty of each state to manage its own affairs within the scope of the constitution.
Native Characteristics of Federalism
American federalism is characterized by a robust division of responsibilities where certain powers are delegated to the national government, some are reserved for the states, and others are shared. This balance provides a mechanism for the states and the federal government to check and balance each other, preserving state interests within a unified nation.