Understanding Washington: A Deep Dive into Federalism

On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Meridian hosted 18 newly arrived foreign diplomats representing 15 embassies for training on the complex system of governance in the United States. Akram Elias, President of Capital Communications Group Inc., delivered an insightful framework on constitutional decentralization, the vertical separation of powers, the role of assembly in promoting government accountability, and federal versus state-level electoral processes. By employing relatable analogies to explain the affiliation system of political parties in the U.S. and offering anecdotes about the 200 million civil society organizations in the U.S.—including neighborhood associations—Mr. Elias made nuanced aspects of government and governance accessible. 

Elias provided valuable background on the checks and balances system, the etymology of “democracy,” different schools of thought on constitutional interpretation, and the unique economies, judicial processes, and public education systems of each state and locality. Beyond structural and philosophical explanations, Elias also answered audience questions on inter-governmental relations, electoral standards, Congress’ role in U.S. foreign policy, and Washington’s place relative to state and federal governments. Diplomats left the program with a new understanding of the inner workings of the U.S. government system, as well as new connections with their counterparts in the diplomatic corps.