Federalism
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Feb 20, 2024
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The Philosophy of American Republicanism and Federalism
Valerie Ellis
GOVT327: State and Local Government Heather Piedmont
January 29, 2024
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The foundation of the United States' federal system, diligently crafted by the framers of the Constitution, demonstrates a unique and elaborate arrangement to maintain stability between the central government and individual states. When you consider the origins of power, the federal
government's structure, the dissolution of power, and the role of government, you gain insight into the complex dynamics that define America's federal system. This balance was formulated as a response to the framers' concerns about tyranny and the potential political abuse of power. The origins of power, as established in the Constitution, originate from the people, representing the democratic principles embraced by the framers. (Onuf & Matson, 1992) The structural design and incorporating checks and balances, illustrates their commitment to preventing any single branch from dominating another. This intentional separation, outlined in articles and amendments, safeguards that power is not consolidated but spread among co-equal branches, resonating with the biblical wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." The dissolution of power, both between federal and state entities and among the branches, mirrors a commitment to shared governance, resonating the biblical principle of collective responsibility found in Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." This elaborate design of governance defines the proper role of government, one that serves the people, protects individual liberties, and upholds justice, mirroring the biblical mandate found in Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with
your God." The foundation of the United States' federal system, influenced by both Enlightenment philosophy and biblical principles, establishes a resilient framework that endures as a beacon of liberty, justice, and democratic governance. (Hail, M., & Lange, S. 2010)
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The origins of power in the federal system can be traced back to the Constitution, the supreme law of the land. This foundational document describes the distribution of powers between the federal government and states, exemplifying the principle of federalism. The federal government's structure, divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, shows a deliberate separation of powers. Each branch possesses specific responsibilities, ensuring a system where no single entity can monopolize authority. (Locke, J. 1994) This separation of powers aligns with biblical wisdom, as reflected in Isaiah 33:22, “
For the LORD is our judge, the
LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.
” which acknowledges the distinct roles of judge, lawgiver, and king.
The deliberate ending of power between the federal government and states is a fundamental aspect of the American federal system. The Tenth Amendment solidifies this by preserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This highlighting on dual sovereignty resounds with biblical teachings, such as Matthew 20:25-28, “Jesus called them
together and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This accentuates the value of humility and service over the exercise of unrestricted authority. (Hamilton, A. Jay, J. & Madison, J. 1998)
The appropriate role of government is characterized by its service to the people, protection of individual rights, and maintenance of order without infringing on our personal liberties. Government’s purpose as a servant-leader, amenable to the needs of citizens. Romans 13:4 reinforces this perspective by highlighting the government's role as God’s servant for the
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common good. “For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”
The United States' federal system, explained by its balance of power, structural complexities, and suspension of authority, reflects a nuanced understanding of control. The incorporation of biblical references serves to underscore the timeless wisdom inherent in these principles, emphasizing humility, shared governance, and a commitment to serving the common good. (Hail, M., & Lange, S. 2010) As we navigate the complexities of modern challenges, the enduring relevance of these concepts accentuates the ongoing dialogue on the delicate interplay between liberty and societal responsibility.
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References
Bible English Standard Version (2016). YouVersion. www.bible.com
Hail, M., & Lange, S. (2010). Federalism and Representation in the Theory of the Founding Fathers: A Comparative Study of U.S. and Canadian Constitutional Thought. Publius
, 40
(3), 366–388. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40865314
Hamilton, A., Jay, J., & Madison, J. (1998). The federalist papers. Project Gutenberg.
Locke, J. (1994). Second treatise of government. Generic NL Freebook Publisher.
Onuf, P., & Matson, C. (1992). American antiquarian. www.americanantiquarian.org. https://americanantiquarian.org/proceedings/44517791.pdf