Explain that, in some ways, the Plessy v. Ferguson decision was about the relationship between federal and state governments. Begin by asking students: which level of government do you think should have more power to control our daily lives–federal or state? Why? (Consider giving one relevant example to ground this discussion, for instance federal vs. state laws regarding reproductive health care, or gay marriage prior to 2015.) 

Now, have students break into small groups to research this tension between states’ rights and federal authority. Students should use the internet to find answers to the following questions:

• When did the tension between states’ rights and the federal government begin?
• What guidelines does the Constitution lay out to manage and balance the relationship between state and federal government? What specific powers does the Constitution give to each level of government?
• Find two examples (one from history and one from today) of when state and federal governments were in conflict. What happened and how were the conflicts resolved?

Bring students back together to share their findings. End by having students write an individual reflection to the following prompt:

• Should the federal government or state governments be more responsible for protecting the civil rights of marginalized groups? Explain your answer, using evidence from your research.