Lesson of the day
Federalism (Grade 9-12)
Listen: You can hear the episode here (Apple podcasts) on YouTube, or on our website. Feel free to take notes on our graphic organizer while you do. When you listen to the episode, keep these thoughts in mind:
Federalism has changed over the course of our history. Since our founding as a nation, the federal government has become more involved in what happens throughout the states — why do you think that’s happened? What might the benefits of more government involvement be? Or, if you disagree with it, what might be the negative impact of federal programs and incentives?
Can you think of any states that have laws contradicting federal regulation? Why might the federal government choose to stay out of it, even if the state is doing something federally illegal?
Do: Federalism in Action
Moments of crisis often compel governments to make sweeping proclamations and take radical actions. This can include making big decisions about your education, something a lot of students have experienced in the past month. Each state in the country has been making its own call when it comes to school closures and remote learning — a prime example of American federalism at work.
Use this state-by-state map to see how your home state compares to other states in responding to the current pandemic.
Then do some research — what is it about your state’s governor, legislature, constitution and outbreak status that may have led to that decision? Pick another state to compare your state to. Why might a school in New Mexico be closed for the rest of the school year while a school over the border in Colorado may open again in April? How do remote learning recommendations differ between these states? Do you think it’s a good thing that each state has control over its education plan, or would we be better off with one order for the whole country?
