A federal-state confrontation refers to a significant conflict or disagreement between the federal government and state governments, typically regarding their respective powers and authority.
Related terms
States' Rights: Refers to the belief that states should have more power and authority than the federal government.
Nullification Crisis: The conflict between President Andrew Jackson and South Carolina over the state's attempt to nullify or reject a federal law.
McCulloch v. Maryland: A Supreme Court case that established the principle of "implied powers" for Congress, affirming federal supremacy over states.