How Did The Nuanced Interplay Between The Influence Of Enlightenment Thinkers, Such As John Locke And Montesquieu, And The Practical Concerns Of The Articles Of Confederation Shape The Development Of The Concept Of Federalism In The United States Constitution, Particularly In Regards To The Tenth Amendment And Its Implications For State Sovereignty Versus National Authority?

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The development of federalism in the United States Constitution was profoundly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers and the practical challenges of the Articles of Confederation, culminating in the Tenth Amendment's enshrinement of state sovereignty against national authority.

  1. Enlightenment Influence:

    • John Locke: Emphasized natural rights, social contract, and limited government, inspiring the Founders to prioritize individual rights and consent-based governance. This influenced the Constitution's checks and balances and protection of liberties.
    • Montesquieu: Advocated for separation of powers, which shaped the three-branch structure of the U.S. government. This principle also underpinned federalism by dividing power between federal and state levels.

  2. Articles of Confederation: The initial post-Revolution government was weak, granting most power to states, leading to inefficiencies. This highlighted the need for a stronger central government while preserving state sovereignty, prompting a federalist solution.

  3. Federalism as Compromise: The Constitution divided power, granting enumerated powers to the federal government and reserving others to states. This balance addressed practical needs while reflecting Enlightenment ideals of limited government.

  4. Tenth Amendment: This amendment solidified federalism by reserving unspecified powers to states or the people, ensuring federal authority remained limited. It has been instrumental in legal cases, such as U.S. v. Lopez, where it limited federal overreach.

  5. Ongoing Impact: The tension between state and federal authority persists, with the Tenth Amendment continually invoked to check federal power, illustrating enduring Enlightenment principles in U.S. governance.

In summary, federalism in the U.S. Constitution balances national authority and state sovereignty, rooted in Enlightenment ideas and the lessons of the Articles of Confederation, with the Tenth Amendment as its cornerstone.