U.S. Federalism and Political Ideologies: Key Concepts and Cases

Federalism

A system dividing power between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments, with both levels sovereign in their domains.

Unitary System (rejected)

All power concentrated in the central government — rejected by Founders as too powerful.

Confederation (rejected)

All power in state governments — proven ineffective under the Articles of Confederation.

Federalist No. 51 (Madison)

Argued power must be divided into two layers (federal/state) and subdivided into branches within each. Structure creates security: 'Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.'

State Powers (Reserved)

Powers not granted to the federal government belong to the states (10th Amendment). E.g., education, marriage laws, police power.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both levels of government. E.g., taxation, courts, lawmaking, borrowing money.

National Powers (Enumerated)

Powers explicitly granted to Congress in Article I §8. E.g., coin money, regulate commerce, declare war.

Dual Federalism ('Layer Cake')

Separate, clearly defined spheres of authority for state and national governments. Neither level interferes with the other; national government limited to enumerated powers.

Cooperative Federalism ('Marble Cake')

National and state governments share functions and collaborate on programs. Powers are intertwined — the modern approach.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states without providing funding to meet those requirements — a controversial expansion of national authority.

Grants-in-Aid

Federal funds given to states, often with conditions — used to expand federal influence over state policy.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Expanded federal implied powers; states cannot tax federal institutions. Strengthened national supremacy.

Dred Scott (1857)

Limited federal power over slavery; empowered states. Later overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

SCOTUS limited federal power — Congress exceeded its Commerce Clause authority by regulating guns near schools. Reasserted states' rights.

Chamber of Commerce v. Whiting (2011)

Upheld state laws regulating employment of undocumented immigrants — affirmed state authority in certain areas.

Lakoff's Core Idea

People understand politics through metaphor — especially the metaphor of the family. Political ideologies map onto different models of ideal parenting.

Strict Father Model (Conservative)

The family (nation) needs a strong father (authority) to maintain order, teach discipline, and provide moral guidance. Values: self-reliance, discipline, authority, moral strength.

Nurturant Parent Model (Liberal)

The family (nation) is guided by caring, empathetic parents. Values: empathy, fairness, community care, equality, social responsibility.

Moral Strength

Self-discipline and willpower are virtues; resisting temptation and indulgence is morally right.

Moral Bounds

Staying within proper limits; do not cross moral lines.

Moral Authority

Respect for hierarchy — those in authority deserve obedience.

Moral Obedience

Following the rules of authority is morally right.

Moral Order

A natural hierarchy exists (God → nature → humans → children) that should be respected.

Moral Essence

A person's character is fundamentally good or bad — it is their nature.

Moral Self-Interest (Conservative)

Pursuing one's own interest is moral, but must be bounded by moral rules.

Moral Defense

Protecting one's family and nation from external threats is a moral duty.

Moral Wholeness

Purity and integrity; avoiding corruption and moral contamination.

Moral Nurturance (Conservative)

Caring for others is moral, but only within proper boundaries of authority.

Moral Empathy (Liberal)

Understanding and sharing others' experiences is the foundation of morality.

Moral Nurturance (Liberal)

Caring for and supporting others — especially the vulnerable — is the highest moral good.

Moral Compassion

Alleviating suffering is a moral obligation.

Moral Self-Nurturance

Taking care of yourself so you are capable of caring for others.

Moral Social Nurturance

Building societal systems that support everyone — healthcare, education, safety nets.

Moral Happiness

Human flourishing and joy are legitimate moral goals.

Moral Self-Development

Experiencing all of life (education, art, culture) builds moral character.

Moral Strength to Nurture

You must be strong enough (physically, emotionally, financially) to help others.

Moral Self-Interest (Liberal)

Personal interest is moral but must be balanced against community responsibility.

Moral Fairness

Everyone deserves equal opportunity and fair treatment.

Political Equity

Equal political rights and representation for all citizens.

Moral Fair Distribution

Resources and opportunities should be distributed fairly across society.