Define Federalism, History

Assignment Help:

How did the Constitution balance the interests of states with large and small populations?

Federalism-When the delegates in Philadelphia attempted to create a new form of government, the first, and most important problem they faced was how to balance the interests of states that had large populations with those of states that had fewer citizens. The theory of the relationship between the national (or federal) government and the states is known as federalism. Delegates from states with many citizens, such as Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia, believed that smaller states should not be able to control the new government. On the other hand, delegates from smaller states did not want states with large populations to ignore their interests. Two rival plans for the new government were introduced: the Virginia plan favored states with large populations, while the New Jersey plan protected the interests of smaller states. Finally, the delegates settled on the Great Compromise (sometimes called the Connecticut Compromise).

Under this compromise, the new government would have a bicameral (two house) legislature. The upper house, the Senate, represented the states equally: each state, no matter how large or small its population, would have two senators). The lower house, the House of Representatives, would represent states based on their population: each state would receive at least one representative, but states with larger populations would receive more. The Constitution also established the powers of the federal government and the powers of the state governments. Under the Constitution, Congress gained the important power to raise revenue (by taxation) and to regulate commerce (trade) between the states


Related Discussions:- Define Federalism

Analyze how the ideas and actions of jean monnet led, Analyze how the ideas...

Analyze how the ideas and actions of Jean Monnet led to the creation of the European Economic Union in 1958. Point out the events that led to the creation of the EEC, and what even

Republic of texas, Were Texans justified in fighting Santa Anna and forming...

Were Texans justified in fighting Santa Anna and forming the new country called Republic of texas

Result of the kansas-nebraska act, As a result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act: ...

As a result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act: A. Nebraska territory permitted slavery B. Kansas territory was free territory C. There was a disputed election in Kansas D. Fighting broke

Primary cause of the eventual outbreak of ww ii, Historians often cite the ...

Historians often cite the harshness of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany as a primary cause of the eventual outbreak of WW II. Summarize two provisions of the Versailles Treaty r

Why did donald woods think stephen biko, Why did Donald Woods think Stephen...

Why did Donald Woods think Stephen Biko was a subversive before meeting him? Why did he say "Stephen Biko is building a wall of hate in South Africa"?

Define liberals and nationalists, Liberals and Nationalists In the spri...

Liberals and Nationalists In the spring of 1848, a wave of uprisings swept across Europe, as people in many countries sought to push away the Old Regime of monarchy, nobility a

Set of governing institutions, A political unit that is composed of people,...

A political unit that is composed of people, a well-defined territory, and a set of governing institutions is?

What you have learned about the boston tea party, Considering what you have...

Considering what you have learned about the Boston Tea Party, Samuel Adams, and Thomas Hutchinson, apply your creativity to describe what could have been done proactively to avoid

Evaluate the social and political tensions, Evaluate the social and politic...

Evaluate the social and political tensions in the United States uncovered by World War One.

Examine the effects of world war ii on the american family, Examine the eff...

Examine the effects of World War II on the American family. Assess not only the improvements the war brought to American quality of life but also the negative effects the war produ

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd