Federalism can be described as a system of government characterized by the separation of powers and functions between the state and national governments. This system has been used since the founding of the United States. The Constitution defines a system of double federalism, which guarantees the sovereignty of the State and national governments. This is put in place to limit the power of the national government. However, the Great Depression of 1929 significantly weakened the nation's economic systems. President Roosevelt made many changes in the relationship between the national and state governments, thus revolutionizing our understanding of federalism, through the New Deal. This essay seeks to explore the changes and attributes that define post-New Deal federalism. Before the New Deal, the United States practiced the traditional interpretation of dual federalism. The two forms of government were sovereign and had different roles to play in the life of the American citizen. Within the scope of "expressed powers", various roles have been attributed to the national government. These were the powers to collect taxes, coinage, declare war, and regulate trade. However, the national government's role in the economy was limited to interstate commerce. The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution reserved these powers to state governments. This in effect ensured that state governments controlled most aspects of the economy. Federal institutions limited themselves to guaranteeing and harmonizing cooperation between different states on economic issues. During the Great Depression, many economic institutions failed. President FDR decided to give up on economic ideas such as market self-regulation. National government was traditionally limited… middle of paper… in the form of unfunded mandates. The federal government created national guidelines, but occasionally failed to provide the necessary funding. As a result, its power in cooperative federalism could be compromised as it fails to deliver on its commitments. States and local governments have been forced to shoulder the costs of these programs (Ginsberg and Lowi et al. 83). This could involve changing national directives to meet local desires, which could negate the principles of this federalism. However, the program was mostly successful. Along with the New Deal, it helped many Americans find jobs again. In essence, it has improved the prospects of the national economy since the 1930s. Works Cited Ginsberg, Benjamin, Theodore J Lowi and Margaret Weir. We, the people. New York: W. W. Norton, 2005. Print.