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24. Aggressive Federalism: The Battle Continues
April 17, 2025
Wrap up the course by exploring the concept of
23. Residual State Powers and the Tenth Amendment
April 17, 2025
In our federalist system, battles over states
22. Congress Can Preempt State Law
April 17, 2025
What happens when state laws conflict with federal laws? How much can the states regulate around immigration, environmental laws, and consumer protection? Revisit the balance between federal and state authority with this lecture on the
21. Native American Rights
April 17, 2025
Native American tribes have a unique status in U.S. law thanks to various treaties, federal policies, and court decisions. In this lecture, you will learn about tribal sovereignty, land rights, and efforts to rectify historical injustices. Consider the need for cultural preservation while striving for economic opportunities.
20. Equal Rights for Women
April 17, 2025
Chart the struggle for women
19. One Person, One Vote
April 17, 2025
The Supreme Court case of Reynolds v. Sims ensures the principle of
18. Voting Rights
April 17, 2025
The Constitution offers little guidance around voting, with elections primarily administered at the state level. However, Reconstruction, the women
17. Environmental Protection
April 17, 2025
In the realm of environmental regulation, the tension between federal and state power can tell us much about the flexibility of federalism. Here, walk through federal legislation in the 1970s such as the Clean Water Act. Then, turn to the role of federal waivers that allow California
16. Public Health and Homeland Security
April 17, 2025
Crises tend to upend the status of federalism. In our era of pandemics and terrorism, lawmakers have the difficult job of balancing the right to freedom with the need for public health and homeland security. Learn about
15. Alcohol and Drug Regulation
April 17, 2025
Who regulates alcohol, marijuana, and other controlled substances? What happens when states legalize a substance that is illegal under federal law? Dive into the history and current status of drug regulation and the tension between public health and individual rights, as well as state versus federal law.
14. Sex, Marriage, and Reproductive Rights
April 17, 2025
As you will discover in this lecture, the Due Process Clause has far broader implications than criminal procedure
13. Habeas Corpus Helps Enforce Federal Law
April 17, 2025
Habeas Corpus
12. Due Process Transforms Federalism
April 17, 2025
In addition to equal protection, the 14th Amendment
11. Prohibiting Private Discrimination
April 17, 2025
Continue your exploration of equal protection with an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Review the movements and legislation that built up to this watershed moment, and then reflect on how federal law combats private discrimination. Conclude with some contemporary implications for religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.
10. Equal Protection
April 17, 2025
After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment promised equal protection under the law, but the nation didn
9. How Federal Citizenship Emerged
April 17, 2025
Federalism is a dynamic system, constantly evolving with the will of the electorate. Here, learn how the Civil War and the 14th Amendment reshaped the nature of federal citizenship with a guarantee of due process and equal protection. Then consider the push-pull of progress and regression over the decades.
8. Commerce Clause: A Limit on State Power
April 17, 2025
Continue your study of the Commerce Clause by looking at the boundaries of state authority and the impact on interstate economic activities. Professor Hoffmann walks you through case law about regulations ranging from the environment to sales taxes on alcohol. He concludes with a look at how current state laws aim to regulate internet content.
7. Commerce Clause: A Source of Federal Power
April 17, 2025
The Commerce Clause in the Constitution underpins much of the 20th century
6. Borders, Immigration, and Citizenship
April 17, 2025
Shift your attention from guns to immigration, which has been a complex issue for the United States ever since the 18th century. Professor Hoffmann explores the historical and contemporary challenges of managing borders, immigration laws, and the process of becoming a citizen.
5. Guns, the Military, and Foreign Affairs
April 17, 2025
National defense is a key function of the government, but our Constitution creates a dual system to ensure a strong yet balanced federal government. Dive into this system and explore its implications for military operations and foreign policy. This lecture also takes you into the controversial world of gun rights and the Second Amendment.
4. The Federal Government Can Tax and Spend
April 17, 2025
Although federal law reigns supreme, the Constitution outlines a limited domain for federal authority. In this first of several lectures on federal power, you will learn about the power of taxing and spending
3. States Can
April 17, 2025
The Supremacy Clause in the Constitution declares that federal law is
2. How Federalism Shapes American Politics
April 17, 2025
Step back to the founding of America to explore the rise of our two-party political system. Professor Hoffmann walks you through six phases of party politics, including Jacksonian Democracy, Reconstruction, the Progressive Era, and party realignment during the Civil Rights Era.
1. Federalism: America
April 17, 2025
Begin your study of federalism with a look at the 2000 presidential election dispute between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Examine the historical context and philosophical foundations of federalism. Then, reflect on how the balance of power between state and federal governments continues to shape our politics today.
Description
Where to Watch The Evolution of American Federalism
The Evolution of American Federalism is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Evolution of American Federalism on demand at Apple TV Channels, Prime Video and Amazon.
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Channel
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Premiere DateApril 17, 2025
