What Is Federalism?

            The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday is federalism – the constitutional division of power between the federal government and the state governments. Federalism is the reason that states are rejecting a recommendation about giving COVID-19 shots to children. Reagan Reese wrote the following in her article at The Daily Signal. 

 

At least 11 states have rejected or are expected to reject a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that pediatricians give COVID-19 shots to children along with other vaccines.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously decided Thursday to add COVID-19 shots to the children’s immunization schedule, which some schools and states use to create vaccination requirements. Many states, however, have laws in place that prohibit schools from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination for students.

             Federalism is also the reason why the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade and sent the abortion issue back to the states. The Founders wanted a government big enough to protect the nation – power to raise armed forces and funding to pay for wars – but small enough that it does not overpower the states. Therefore, they listed the powers given to the federal government and reserved all other powers to the states or the people.