Watch The Evolution of American Federalism

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.

The Evolution of American Federalism is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on April 17, 2025.

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Seasons

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.

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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 and Amazon Prime and Amazon.