Question

How did the principle of federalism resolve the issue of national versus States' rights?

Answer 1

Federalism helped to solve the problems between the state and federal government by creating a system in which these two different governments shared power in a somewhat equal manner.

Under the Articles of Confederation, the state governments had significantly more power than the federal government. The lack of power by the federal government resulted in disunity in America. This is why the US Constitution included more power for the federal government. However, the state governments would still have significant power thanks to the addition of the 10th amendment. The constitution helped to create a good balance between the two types of government.

Answer 2

This is because under the rule of federalism, the Framers could make a new Central Government that would be strong enough to meet the needs of the nations and at the same time, protect the strength of the existing states.