Federalism: A Legal Timeline of the Division of Power

Explore the evolving division of duties and powers between the federal and state governments throughout the eras of federalism.

Learning Activities

These learning materials facilitate a deep dive into important aspects of American legal history.

The Inquiry Packs are built around primary sources from the Library of Congress and designed to accompany the timeline above. Each pack includes a background reading, several primary sources (documents, articles, images), discussion questions, an inquiry question, and an inquiry extension question.

Federalism in the Constitution

Civil Rights and Federalism

The Commerce Clause: Expanding the Definition of Interstate Commerce

Devolution: Narrowing the Definition of Interstate Commerce

Incorporation Doctrine