Federalism

During the ratification debates, the Federalists and Anti-federalists discussed the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the newly drafted Constitution. One of the major concerns of the Anti-federalists was the risk of a national government becoming far too powerful and suppressing the power of the state governments. Careful consideration was given to which powers would be delegated to the national and state levels.

Essential Questions

• How does the Constitution establish the relationship between the national government and the state governments?
• How does the Constitution allocate power to the national government and state governments?
• What powers does the Constitution refuse the national and state governments?