American History
Governments: Why Do People Need Them?
A government serves many purposes. Throughout history these purposes have been debated by prominent philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and David Hume. […]
Professor Jennifer Nicoll Victor
American History
Government: Types and Features
There are many types of governments. In order to distinguish one type of government from another, two basic questions need to be asked: First, who governs? That is, who is in control of the rules. Second, how much government control is allowed in a particular system? […]
American History
Federalism: Division of Power in the United States
Currently, rather than a system of dual federalism that leans toward states’ power, there is what many call cooperative federalism, suggesting that the two levels of government form partnerships for the purpose of advancing common goals. […]
American History
US Government: The Federal Framework
The sovereign powers are divided between the national and state governments in the United States. This federal framework was adopted by the framers of the US Constitution for the benefits they saw in the system. […]
American History
US Federalism: Definition and Background
The United States has a federal government. There is the national government made up of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and there are 50 sub-national governments, one in each state. […]