Federalism
The constitutional division of power between the federal (national) government and the 50 state governments, each with their own areas of authority.
Real World
When the Supreme Court ruled in NFIB v. Sebelius (2012) that the federal government could not coerce states into expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, it upheld the states' right to refuse — a direct application of the federal principle limiting Washington's authority.
Exam Focus
Distinguish enumerated (federal), reserved (state), and concurrent powers clearly; examiners penalise students who treat federalism as simply 'central vs local government'.
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