The central question of federalism is “Who should do what?” » Supporters of national government believe that only a strong central government is capable of guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of its citizens. States' rights advocates argue for limiting the implicit powers of the national government. Federalism was a compromise for the conflict between states' rights and central authority. Federalism divides power between the national government and lower governments, each having distinct powers that the other cannot circumvent. (p. 46) A unitary system is one in which the national government gives power to subnational governments such as municipalities, counties, etc. Local governments generally only have the powers granted to them by the national government. The power that the national government has given to local levels can also be taken away from them. The role of central government as funder is particularly important. In a federal system, sovereignty is shared between the federal and state governments. Lower units cannot secede from the national unity and the federal government cannot take away powers from local governments. (p. 47-49) Power is retained by local or regional governments in a confederal system. Before the creation of the United States Constitution, the states were the primary driving force of the confederal system under the Articles of Confederation. (pp. 48-49) The framers of the Constitution wanted to combine a central government strong enough to maintain order with strong states. A federal constitution establishes the structure of a government; intergovernmental relations bring the structure to life. Intergovernmental relations are the means by which necessary business is accomplished. Relationship...... middle of paper ......n our federal system has changed dramatically over the years. State governments have served as training grounds for national politicians and laboratories in which new ideas can be tested. The Supreme Court, in its role as interpreter of the Constitution, has been a major player in redefining our federal system. Increasingly, Congress has been guilty of attacking areas traditionally reserved for the states and restricting its power to regulate those areas. Federal and state politicians compete to solve problems. Over the years, power in the federal system shifted to the national government because tax money went there. With its financial resources, the federal government has been able to offer assistance to state and local governments and thus become involved in almost all governmental functions carried out by these governments..