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Federal: GCSE History Definition

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

Published

Read time

1 minutes

Contents

  1. 1. What Does Federal Mean?
  2. 2. Federal Law Enforcement in the American West
  3. 3. Federal Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What Does Federal Mean?

In GCSE History, federal is where each state in a country has its own government and laws. The USA is a union of states that requires a federal government system.

Federal Law Enforcement in the American West

In the early American West, the federal system caused issues with law and order. Once a territory had 60,000 citizens, it could apply to become a state. The state decided upon the laws, the governor and the US marshal to run a territory. This meant that:

  • Territories were too large to have effective law enforcement

  • Federal governments did not pay law enforcers enough to stop corruption

  • Sheriffs did not receive legal training, causing unfair legal judgements

After the American Civil War in 1865, the northern states took more control in decision-making. Developments in railways allowed federal governments to be in closer contact with law enforcers, improving law and order.

Federal Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where the federal fits into the revision notes for those specifications.

Explore Our GCSE History Revision Resources

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Author
Reviewer
Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

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