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Dual Federalism During The Industrial Revolution

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In 1789 the United States first adopted dual federalism as the optimal political arrangement for the developing country. This form of federalism was put in place in attempts to give state and national government equality with distinct limitations of authority. Under Article 1, section 8 of the United States Constitution stated, Congress possesses the power to; collect tax, declare war, regulate interstate commerce, coin money, create laws, establish foreign policy, and post offices. Under dual federalism the government was limited to those powers while states possessed their own unique powers. During this time states had their own lane they could operate in and had reserved powers they could enact, this included the right to; establish local government, create schools, provide public safety, and regulate businesses within the state. …show more content…

Dual federalism reached its end when it faced a near impossible challenge known as the Industrial Revolution. States faced major challenges during the Industrial Revolution that would ultimately lead to the eradication of dual federalism. The first issue was that there was corruption in some states that allowed bad business practices, and in return received high business taxes and expensive licensing fees. Another issue states faced were large companies and firms that began accumulating so much wealth and economic power that state authority was so overwhelmed and really couldn’t touch the massive firms. Along with this many workers were exploited and underpaid for the jobs they worked. Since the states were unable to subdue the powerful firms and protect the rights of their citizens the public began to turn against the

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