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Episode Description:
Federalism and limited government are principles that ensure that the American political system protects liberty and natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Listen to learn more from Dr. Meena Bose in this final episode of the series!

60-Second Civics, Episode 4566

Federalism & Limited Government: Democratic Norms, Part 5

This is 60-Second Civics from the Center for Civic Education. I’m Mark Gage.

Today we are honored to be joined by Meena Bose, the Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies and Executive Dean for Public Policy and Public Service Programs at Hofstra University.

Professor Bose, tell us about the democratic norms of federalism and limited government.

Federalism and limited government are principles that ensure that the American political system protects people's liberty, natural, their natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of property or happiness in the Declaration of Independence. 

Federalism means that power is shared between the national government and the states. 

And, while the national government is supreme over the states, the states do govern our daily lives. 

They provide opportunities for civic participation. 

So while we have multiple levels of government as well as local governments, which weren't listed in the Constitution, having these levels ensures that no section, no part of political life can intrude too much on our natural rights.

Thank you very much Dr. Meena Bose. It’s been an honor having you on the podcast.

That’s all for today’s podcast. 

60-Second Civics, where civic education only takes a minute.