Federalism
A combination of a general government with regional governments in a single political system
Real World Example
In the 1780s, the United States was forming a new government after gaining independence from Britain. The concept of federalism was important because it balanced power between the national government and the states, addressing concerns that a too-powerful central government could become tyrannical. This system was a response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had given too much power to the states and left the national government weak. Today, federalism affects everyday life by allowing states to create laws that best suit their residents while still being part of a unified country. For example, education policies can differ by state, meaning the school experience in Texas might be different from New York, reflecting local needs and values.
