How Federalism Divides Power in the US Government

CrashCourse

This educational video from Crash Course Government and Politics provides a comprehensive overview of Federalism in the United States, explaining how power is divided and shared between the national government and state governments. Host Craig Benzine breaks down the evolution of this relationship from the country's founding through the modern era, illustrating how the balance of power has shifted over time due to historical events like the New Deal and changing legal interpretations of the Constitution. The video explores key themes such as the distinction between Dual Federalism (Layer Cake) and Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake), and the specific powers delegated to each level of government. It delves into the legal mechanisms that facilitate these relationships, including the Commerce Clause and the 10th Amendment. Additionally, the video explains the financial tools the federal government uses to influence state policy, such as Grants-in-Aid (Categorical and Block grants) and Unfunded Mandates. For educators, this resource is an invaluable tool for clarifying one of the most complex concepts in American Civics. It uses accessible analogies, humor, and clear visualizations to make abstract political science concepts concrete. The video is perfect for launching units on the Constitution, introducing the structure of US government, or analyzing the tension between state rights and federal authority in current events.