In the context of government, what does federalism limit?

Federalism is a system of governance that divides powers between a central (federal) government and smaller political units, such as states or provinces. It was designed to ensure a distribution of authority that prevents any single entity from becoming too powerful. By establishing this division, federalism directly limits the powers of the federal government by reserving certain rights and responsibilities for the states.

In a federal system, while the federal government has enumerated powers listed in the Constitution, any powers that are not explicitly granted to it are left to the states or the people. This is rooted in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reinforces the idea that states retain control over their own affairs, thereby providing a check on federal authority.

This limitation is essential in protecting the rights of individuals and communities against potential overreach by a centralized government, allowing for a diverse range of local policies and practices tailored to the unique needs of different states.

The concept of federalism is fundamentally about balance and sharing power, ensuring that governance is not solely dictated by a single national authority, but rather involves collaboration and negotiation among different levels of government.