Lesson 26: How Does American Federalism Work?

Lesson Objectives

When you have finished this lesson, you should  be able to

• explain how American federalism involves divided sovereignty and an ongoing effort to balance power between the national and state governments,
• explain the function of three basic kinds of local governmental units—counties, municipalities, and special districts,
• identify examples of governmental innovations at the state and local levels, and
• evaluate, take, and defend positions on continuing issues related to America’s unique system  of federalism.