This paper discusses the federal system of government, in which both the national government and smaller political subdivisions hold significant power.
This paper compares the three systems of modern government in countries around the world today: federalism (United States);the unitary system, in which power is not held at a subordinate level, such as in towns or provinces, but on a national level (Greece and the Netherlands); and confederation, a union of states run as a government. The author points out that dual federalism, the belief that the federal and state governments hold sovereignty together over the country, was the structure of the government of the United States from 1789 to 1901. The paper explains that federalism by its nature is supportive of public rights and individuality, allowing a large population to have a say in a process that is fundamentally created to protect and serve their needs.
“There are two forms of federalism: dual and cooperative. The United States was formed on dual federalism in 1787 and over the centuries has evolved into the system of government we have today. The Civil War paved the way for the unification of states and the creation of the Constitution. Deficiencies in the Articles of Confederation prompted its repeal and the ratification of a new Constitution creating a federal system of government comprised of a national government and states.”