Federalist No. 39
What it says
Defines the Constitution as partly national, partly federal: authority divided between levels of government limits concentration of power and multiplies access points for participation.
How the exam uses it
NEW for Fall 2026 (EK 1.7.A.1) — the CED's now-explicit source for federalism's design logic.
Live legislation where this document matters (4)
SAVE Act
Madison's partly-national, partly-federal design is the live question: who owns voter registration, Washington or the states?
Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".
The waiver fight is Madison's partly-national, partly-federal design under maximum stress: one state's rules, national markets, federal override.
21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
The act can fund, streamline, and incentivize — but zoning stays local; Madison's partly-national, partly-federal design is why the biggest lever remains out of federal reach.
Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025
Police power over public carry has always been the states' — a federal reciprocity mandate redraws Madison's partly-federal line from Washington.