American federalism is constantly used as a point of reference for democratic societies. Having been successfully implemented alongside the Constitution, it has proven to have been able to adapt to environmental changes throughout history. One scholar said: “Federalism – old style – is dead.” However I disagree. In the following paragraphs I will show how federalism is part of the United States but how some problems make it seem like it is failing in the modern environment. American federalism is a system of dual sovereignty between two levels of government. It is a constitutional feature that power is divided between the national government and the state governments, and that both are mutually dependent on the other for their existence, while both are far from any fear of dissolution by the other. However, “the Framers left many questions related to federalism unanswered or unclear.” These questions include the amount of power given to each ruler. The powers assigned to national governmental powers, such as the roles of Congress, are defined, but all that is mentioned about state powers is the 10th Amendment. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved respectively to the States, or to the people. This, however, is what the authors intended. By not specifying boundaries, they ensured that federalism was adaptable to change. The Founders decided on a federal system of government for many different reasons. First of all, it protects minorities. As Madison argued in Federalist no. 10, the smaller the society, the less likely there will be the distinct parties and interests that compose it... the more frequently an important... paper center... d States .Works CitedBORGER, Julian, "Long Tail at the drive-in Soup Kitchen" in The Guardian, 03/11/03ENGLISH, Simon, "Economic growth 'Gangbuster' outcome provides vindication for White House" in The Daily Telegraph, 31/10/03FINANCIAL TIMES EDITORIAL, 1/11/03 as reported in The Guardian, 3/11/03NAGEL, Robert F, “The Implosion of American Federalism” (2001), New York, Oxford University PressPEELE, Gillian “Federalism and InterGovernment Relations” in “Developments in Politics Americana” (2002), Gillian Peele, Christopher J. Bailey, Bruce Cain and B. Guy Peters (eds.), New York, PalgraveREAGAN, Michael D & SANZONE, John G. “The New Federalism” (1981) , New York, Oxford University PressROSSITER, Clinton (ed.) “The Federalist Papers” (1961), New York, Mentor BooksWALKER, David B. “The Rebirth of Federalism” (2000), New York, Chatham House Publishers