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The "Federal" in Federalism

Lesson Plan

In this federalism lesson plan, students learn where the federal government gets its power and that government power in the United States is split between states and the federal government. They learn about express and implied powers, distinguish between federal powers and those reserved to the states (as well as shared powers), and contrast the federalist system of government with other choices the Founders might have made.

We suggest teaching our lesson "State Power: Got a Reservation? back-to-back with this lesson.

iCivics en español! Student and class materials for this lesson are available in Spanish.

Teacher Resources

Get access to lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and other teaching materials.

The "Federal" in Federalism Lesson Plan - 1
The "Federal" in Federalism Lesson Plan - 2
The "Federal" in Federalism Lesson Plan - 3

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