Dual Federalism

Definition

Dual federalism is a system where the powers of the federal government and state governments are clearly distinguished and operate over separate spheres of influence, with neither having authority over the other.

Related terms

Federalism: This is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and constituent political units (state governments).

Tenth Amendment: This amendment to the US Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, to be reserved for the states respectively, or to the people.

Supremacy Clause: This clause in Article VI of U.S. Constitution establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws and even state constitutions when there's conflict between them.