The U.S. constitutional structure is built on a system of federalism in which authority is divided between the federal government and the states. Within this framework, federal administrative agencies exercise significant regulatory authority, often creating tension with state governments that maintain their own powers in health, environment, commerce, labor, and beyond.
For foreign diplomats, these conflicts are more than internal U.S. legal issues—they shape how international agreements are implemented, how trade and investment rules apply across state lines, and how foreign businesses interact with overlapping federal and state requirements. This course provides an in-depth examination of federalism and agency authority conflicts, explaining the doctrines, political realities, and international consequences of these disputes.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the constitutional foundations of federalism and agency authority in the U.S. legal system.
• Identify areas of frequent conflict between federal agencies and state governments.
• Analyze the implications of preemption, dual sovereignty, and cooperative federalism.
• Evaluate the role of courts in resolving federal-state-agency disputes.
• Recognize the cross-border and diplomatic consequences of these conflicts, especially in trade, environmental, and technology regulation.
