How does the Constitution provide for the system of federalism in the American form of government?

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/federalism.htm

http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_fedr.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism_in_the_United_States

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The Constitution of the United States provides for the system of federalism in the American form of government through a set of key provisions and principles. Federalism is the division of powers between the central government and the individual state governments, allowing them to coexist and exercise authority within their respective spheres. Here's how the Constitution establishes the system of federalism:

1. Enumerated Powers: The Constitution explicitly grants specific powers to the federal government, such as the power to regulate interstate commerce, declare war, and coin money. These powers are enumerated in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

2. Reserved Powers: On the other hand, the Constitution reserves certain powers exclusively for the states. This principle is established in the Tenth Amendment, which states that any powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people themselves. These reserved powers allow states to make decisions and govern on matters such as education, public safety, and intrastate commerce.

3. Supremacy Clause: Article VI of the Constitution includes the Supremacy Clause, which establishes the federal government's authority over the states. It states that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, overriding any conflicting state laws or actions. This ensures the consistent application of federal law across the country and helps to avoid conflicting regulations and policies between states.

4. Necessary and Proper Clause: The Necessary and Proper Clause, found in Article I, Section 8, gives Congress the authority to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. This clause has been interpreted broadly, allowing the federal government to expand its authority beyond the explicitly enumerated powers, while still respecting the reserved powers of the states.

5. Interstate Relations: The Constitution also provides mechanisms for managing intergovernmental relations. For example, the Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV, Section 1) requires states to honor public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. The Privileges and Immunities Clause (Article IV, Section 2) prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Overall, the Constitution establishes a balance of power between the federal government and the states, allowing them to operate independently within their respective jurisdictions while also cooperating and collaborating on matters of shared interest. It is this system of federalism that has been a fundamental aspect of the American form of government since its inception.