Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: Through the years, federalism has changed the balance of power between the national and state governments and molded national to state and interstate relationships.

Analyze the image. Who is fighting? In one or two words summarize the reason for the fighting. What connections can you make between the Civil War and federalism?

America's bloodiest war was not fought against a foreign nation overseas. The Civil War (1861-65) pitted brother against brother as Americans fought with the Union or joined the Confederacy to settle uncompromising differences between the free and slave states over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the territories. This power struggle over states' rights versus national sovereignty resulted in the death of more than 620,000, with millions more injured.

Open The Civil War in a new tab | The Civil War text version

Civil War Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864.

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • explain how the Constitution provides guidelines for the national government to assist with relations between the states.
  • identify the major changes in the balance of power between the national and state government throughout our history.
  • explain the obligation of the national government to provide certain benefits to the states.
  • summarize the process for states to be admitted to the United States.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 4.1, 4.2.

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R4, R7, W2, W4, and W9.
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