Federalism, Part 1

Federalism: How should power be shared between national and state governments? 

Objectives:

1. Define and explain “Federalism.” 
2. Know the difference between a confederacy and a federal republic.
3. Identify reserved powers, concurrent powers, and enumerated powers
4. Be able to discuss the “Federalism Debate” using concrete, real-world examples to show both sides of the debate.  

Starter 16:
Create a table with 3 columns and 2 rows.  Label the left column “Decisions my parents should make,” the center column “decisions my parents and I should make together,” and the third “decisions I should make myself.” 

Now consider your life as a teenager (or your high school years).  Brainstorm: how many decisions relevant to your own life can you put in each column? 

I'll let you think for a few minutes, then share with you the following list of ideas to get you working.  Can you think of 10 things total that are NOT on my list? 

• Curfew
• Food you eat
• Clothes you wear
• How you use/spend your time
• What age you should learn to drive
• When you can start to date
• What classes you take at school
• What college you go to
• What school activities you participate in

Transition: This is exactly how our government works.  Let’s get back to the Articles of Confederation...

Lecture – The difference between a “Confederacy” and a “Federal Republic” (5-10 minutes)  We'll unpack the difference between these two forms of government, but leave the question hanging: “so which governments (state or national) have which powers?”  

Classify Powers:

• Handout: Federalism Classification Exercise.  (see docs page for digital copy)
• Classify the following powers in the chart.  
• Take the time to consider which category should be the 'most appropriate' based on the description and your personal feelings.  
• Work independently until you finish, then, check your answers against your neighbors.  Highlight each one you marked differently.
• Discuss – we'll talk through your highlighted ones and field any questions.  I'll show you the answer key, and we'll adjust our terminology to read: Concurrent, Enumerated, and Reserved powers.  

Constitution USA, Part 1: Federalism
This video is not linked online.  You may download it from me, or you may pay $2 to watch it on youtube if you would like to review it.  Watch 20 minutes (medical marijuana).  Discuss:

• In what ways  do you think debates like this strengthen our governmental institutions?  
• In what ways might they weaken it?  
• How important is the “Federalism Debate” to our national political dialogue?  Can you place the Federalism debate along party lines?

HOMEWORK:  Finish reading and annotating Tocqueville, Chapter 2.  DUE: Start of class Tuesday.