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Understanding Federalism in the U.S.

The document outlines the concept of federalism, contrasting it with unitary and confederate systems, and discusses the constitutional basis for the division of power between national and state governments. It highlights the evolution from dual to cooperative federalism, the role of fiscal federalism, and the implications of federalism on policy diversity and democratic governance. Additionally, it addresses the impact of federalism on government scope and the relationship between state and national powers.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views54 pages

Understanding Federalism in the U.S.

The document outlines the concept of federalism, contrasting it with unitary and confederate systems, and discusses the constitutional basis for the division of power between national and state governments. It highlights the evolution from dual to cooperative federalism, the role of fiscal federalism, and the implications of federalism on policy diversity and democratic governance. Additionally, it addresses the impact of federalism on government scope and the relationship between state and national powers.

Uploaded by

jcr080108
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Federalism

3
Video: The Big Picture 3

[Link]
IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch03_Federalism_Seg1_
[Link]
Learning Objectives 3
Define federalism and contrast it
3.1
with alternative ways of organizing a
nation.
3.1

Outline the constitutional basis for


3.2 the division of power between
3.2 national and state governments, the
establishment of national
supremacy, and states’ obligations
to each other.
Learning Objectives 3
Characterize the shift from dual to
3.3
cooperative federalism, the role of
fiscal federalism in intergovernmental
relations today, and diversity in
policies among the states.

Explain the consequences of


3.4 federalism for diversity in public
polices among the states.
Learning Objectives 3
Assess the impact of federalism on
3.5
democratic government and the
scope of government.
Video: The Basics 3

[Link]
IA_1/polisci/presidency/Seg2_Federalism_v2.html
3.1
Defining Federalism

 What is federalism?
 Unitary system
 Power given to central government

 Confederation
 Weak national government and power given to states

 Intergovernmental relations
Authority relations in three systems of 3.1
government
3.1
3.1 Which organizing system does
the government in the United States
use?

a. Confederate
b. Unitary
c. Federal
d. Intergovernmental
3.1
3.1 Which organizing system does
the government in the United States
use?

a. Confederate
b. Unitary
c. Federal
d. Intergovernmental
3.2
Constitutional Basis of
Federalism
 Division of Power
 National Supremacy
 States’ Obligations to Each Other
3.2
Division of Power

 States retained many powers


 Organize local governments and elections
 Ratify Constitutional amendments
 Equal representation in Senate
Some Powers Denied States by the 3.2
Constitution
3.2
Division of Power

Federal obligations to states


 Cannot divide states
 Cannot tax interstate exports
 Protect states against invasion
 Overlapping responsibilities
3.2
National Supremacy

Which level should do what?


 Debates over areas of policy responsibility

 Supremacy clause
 Civil War
 The Struggle for Racial Equality
 Tenth Amendment
 Eleventh Amendment
3.2
Wallace and segregation
3.2
National Supremacy

 Implied Powers
 McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
 Enumerated powers
 Elastic clause
3.2
Supremacy Clause and
Immigration
3.2
National Supremacy

 Commerce power
 Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
 Promote economic development
 Regulate economic activity
 Expansion then retraction
3.2
States’ Obligations to Each
Other
 Full faith and credit
 Defense of Marriage Act (1996)
3.2
States’ Obligations to Each
Other
 Extradition
 Privileges and immunities
3.2
3.2 Which clause of the Constitution
requires states to honor contracts
signed in other states?

a. Privileges and immunities


b. Full faith and credit
c. Necessary and proper
d. Commerce
3.2
3.2 Which clause of the Constitution
requires states to honor contracts
signed in other states?

a. Privileges and immunities


b. Full faith and credit
c. Necessary and proper
d. Commerce
3.2
Explore the Simulation: You
Are a Federal Judge

[Link]
_1/2013_mpsl_sim/[Link]?simulaURL=3
3.2
Video: In Context

[Link]
IA_1/polisci/presidency/Seg3_Federalism_v2.html
3.3
Intergovernmental Relations

 From Dual to Cooperative Federalism


 Devolution?
 Fiscal Federalism
3.3
From Dual to Cooperative
Federalism
 Dual federalism
 Separate spheres of authority
 Layer cake
 Interpret federal power narrowly

 Cooperative federalism
 Shared costs
 Federal guidelines
 Shared administration
3.3
Interstate highways
3.3
From Dual to Cooperative
Federalism
 Cooperative federalism in action
 Schools
 Highways and State Alcohol laws
3.3
Devolution?

 Party divide on federalism


 Democrats favor national government
 Republicans favor states

 Devolution since Reagan


 Loosening federal regulations
 1994 Congress
 Harnessing federal government power
3.3
Fiscal Federalism

 The Grant System


 Categorical grants
 Specific purpose
 Crossover sanctions
 Crosscutting requirements
 Project grants
 Formula grants

 Block grants
 1994 Congress

 Scramble for federal dollars


 Mandate blues
3.3
Fiscal Federalism

 The Grant System


 Categorical grants
 Specific purpose
 Crossover sanctions
 Crosscutting requirements
 Project grants
 Formula grants

 Block grants
 1994 Congress

 Scramble for federal dollars


 Mandate blues
FIGURE 3.1: Fiscal federalism: Federal 3.3
grants to state and local governments
3.3
No Child Left Behind Act
3.3
3.3 Which of the following gives
states more discretion in using
federal funds?
a. Categorical grant
b. Formula grant
c. Block grant
d. Mandate
3.3
3.3 Which of the following gives
states more discretion in using
federal funds?
a. Categorical grant
b. Formula grant
c. Block grant
d. Mandate
Explore Federalism: Which 3.3

States Win or Lose in the


Federal Aid Game?

[Link]
a_16/pex/[Link]
3.4
Diversity in Policy

 Diversity in public opinion reflected


 Policy innovation facilitated
 Diversity has its downside
3.4
3.4 Which of the following is a result
of federalism?

a. Diversity of policies in states


b. States can be policy innovators
c. States can spend less on education
d. All of the above
3.4
3.4 Which of the following is a result
of federalism?

a. Diversity of policies in states


b. States can be policy innovators
c. States can spend less on education
d. All of the above
3.4
Video: Thinking Like a
Political Scientist

[Link]
IA_1/polisci/presidency/Seg4_Federalism_v2.html
3.5
Understanding Federalism

 Federalism and Democracy


 Federalism and the Scope of the National
Government
FIGURE 3.2: State and local spending on 3.5
public education
3.5
Federalism and Democracy

 Contributions to democracy
 Decentralizes politics
 Disputes resolved at lower levels of govt.
 Majorities can be heard at state level
 More opportunities for participation
 Losing elections less painful

 Detriments to democracy
 Electoral College
 Thwarting national majorities
Number of governments in America 3.5
3.5
Federalism and the Scope of
the National Government
 Why national government grew
 Economic intervention
 Industrialization
 Quotas
 Subsidies
 Preventing monopolies
 Occupational health and safety
 Urbanization
 Housing
 Social welfare
FIGURE 3.3: Fiscal Federalism: The size of 3.5
the public sector
3.5
3.5 Federalism has contributed to
democracy in all of the following
ways except:
a. The Electoral College
b. More opportunities for participation
c. Disputes resolved at lower levels
d. More points of access
3.5
3.5 Federalism has contributed to
democracy in all of the following
ways except:
a. The Electoral College
b. More opportunities for participation
c. Disputes resolved at lower levels
d. More points of access
3.5
Video: In the Real World

[Link]
IA_1/polisci/presidency/Seg5_Federalism_v2.html
Discussion Question 3
In what ways has federalism contributed to
democracy? In what ways has federalism
been detrimental to democracy? Has this
pattern followed the Framers’ intentions?
Could they have foreseen the issues the
federal government and the states would
have to deal with after industrialization?
Video: So What? 3

[Link]
IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch03_Federalism_Seg6_
[Link]
Further Review: On 3
MyPoliSciLab

 Listen to the Chapter


 Study and Review the Flashcards
 Study and Review the Practice Tests

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