The Evolution of American Federalism

Watch The Evolution of American Federalism 2u53a

  • 2025
  • 1 Season

Over 250 years, the pendulum of federal versus state power has swung back and forth, and it continues even today with some of our most hot-button issues. The Evolution of American Federalism is your opportunity to step back and examine American political history through this eye-opening lens. These 24 insightful lectures will take you into the heart of American law and political theory. h4j3m

The Evolution of American Federalism is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between April 17, 2025 and on The Great Courses

Filter by Source

Do you have The Great Courses?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse The Great Courses with Yidio.
Ad Info
Seasons
Aggressive Federalism: The Battle Continues
24. Aggressive Federalism: The Battle Continues
April 17, 2025
Wrap up the course by exploring the concept of
Residual State Powers and the Tenth Amendment
23. Residual State Powers and the Tenth Amendment
April 17, 2025
In our federalist system, battles over states
Congress Can Preempt State Law
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
Native American Rights
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.
Equal Rights for Women
20. Equal Rights for Women
April 17, 2025
Chart the struggle for women
One Person, One Vote
19. One Person, One Vote
April 17, 2025
The Supreme Court case of Reynolds v. Sims ensures the principle of
Voting Rights
18. Voting Rights
April 17, 2025
The Constitution offers little guidance around voting, with elections primarily istered at the state level. However, Reconstruction, the women
Environmental Protection
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
Public Health and Homeland Security
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
Alcohol and Drug Regulation
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.
Sex, Marriage, and Reproductive Rights
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
Habeas Corpus Helps Enforce Federal Law
13. Habeas Corpus Helps Enforce Federal Law
April 17, 2025
Habeas Corpus
Due Process Transforms Federalism
12. Due Process Transforms Federalism
April 17, 2025
In addition to equal protection, the 14th Amendment
Prohibiting Private Discrimination
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.
Equal Protection
10. Equal Protection
April 17, 2025
After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment promised equal protection under the law, but the nation didn
How Federal Citizenship Emerged
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.
Commerce Clause: A Limit on State Power
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.
Commerce Clause: A Source of Federal Power
7. Commerce Clause: A Source of Federal Power
April 17, 2025
The Commerce Clause in the Constitution underpins much of the 20th century
Borders, Immigration, and Citizenship
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.
Guns, the Military, and Foreign Affairs
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.
The Federal Government Can Tax and Spend
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
States Can
3. States Can
April 17, 2025
The Supremacy Clause in the Constitution declares that federal law is
How Federalism Shapes American Politics
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.
Federalism: America
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 Amazon Prime and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    April 17, 2025
  • Free trial Free Trial on Amazon Prime
  • Custom Recommendations Custom Recommendations
  • Share with Family Share with Your Family
Ad Info