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Video

South Dakota v. Dole | BRI’s Homework Help Series

Grade
6–12
Duration
7 min
Topics
Federalism
Published
Feb 12, 2021
Graphic featuring text about the Supreme Court case South Dakota v. Dole, with an illustration of a gavel.

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Founding Principles

Federalism, Separation of Powers

Virtues

Justice

About this video

Why is the drinking age set at 21? This Homework Help video explores the dispute between states and the federal government over the legal age, and how it is an example of the principle of federalism in action.

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Related Resources

LessonSouth Dakota v. Dole (1987)

Case background and primary source documents concerning the Supreme Court case of South Dakota v. Dole. Dealing with the whether or not the federal government can attach conditions to money given to states in areas where the federal government has no enumerated power, this lesson asks students to evaluate the extent to which the Court's interpretation of the General Welfare Clause and attachment of conditions to federal funds given to states is consistent with the principle of federalism.

Statue of a seated figure in front of a neoclassical building with columns, inscribed with "Equal Justice Under Law."
E LessonSouth Dakota v. Dole Viewing Guide
Map of the United States highlighting the southeastern and midwestern regions with state boundaries and names.
LessonFederalism

Provide students with a comprehensive study of federalism. Through the Constitution’s system of federalism, power is divided between national and subnational governments. Federalism allows citizens to make policy decisions at state and local levels. Decentralization draws individuals out of private life and compels civic engagement.