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

Advertising for or against particular candidates, This sort of group can sp...

This sort of group can spend unlimited funds on advertising for or against particular candidates: a) A political party b) A federally-registered interest group c) Federally-regi

Indicative of trends in the arts during the mid 20th century, Arthur Miller...

Arthur Miller asserted that the common man is as tragic as the most exalted of characters. How was this revolutionary thinking? How is this indicative of trends in the arts during

Marbury v. madison established judicial review, Marbury v. Madison establis...

Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, which is: a. The power of federal judges to carefully review each and every law passed by Congress, before handing them off to th

Show how did the westward expansion change american life, How did the westw...

How did the westward expansion change American life socially, economically, and culturally?

What was the cause of the warring states period, What was the cause of the ...

What was the cause of the Warring States Period and what were its major effects on ancient Chinese culture, religion, political philosophy and military theory?

Farming communities, Prior to European colonization, warfare was common amo...

Prior to European colonization, warfare was common amongst farming communities as a method to gain what?

Arrows and slanted lines mean on a physical map of europe, What do arrows a...

What do arrows and slanted lines mean on a physical map of Europe?

Is this statement true or false, The Christian religion had a major impact ...

The Christian religion had a major impact on the founders view of human nature and its impact on the concept of self government? Is this statement true or false? Please explain

Which groups created relief organizations to individuals, 1. Which groups c...

1. Which groups created relief organizations to help individuals? Mexicans and Native Americans Mexicans and African Americans Native Americans and Jews Jews and African America

Discuss the role of the media and polls, The private life of Presidents and...

The private life of Presidents and most other government officials is under increased scrutiny by the voting public. And yet only a few decades ago very few would have dared delve

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