Week 6: Federalism (CHAPTER 4)

Flashcards about federalism, covering its definition, types, advantages, disadvantages, and the relationship between state and federal governments.

Social Contract Theory

The people were sovereign but facilitate order and security by delegating power to other authorities, creating a government to allocate rights.

Federalist 51

Madison argues that checks and balances and separation of powers keep any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Implied and enumerated powers of the states

Ratification of amendments, conduct of national and state elections, and establishment of state and local governments.

Traditional powers of the states

Power to pursue morality and order, health, safety, general welfare, educate, and to specify contracts and licenses.

Concurrent Powers

Power to regulate commerce, establish courts, enforce laws through police, spend money on general welfare, tax, and take property for public purposes.

Exclusive National Power

Only the federal government can do things like print money, handle foreign affairs, and declare war, like only the principal can set school-wide rules.

Dual Federalism

A system where state and federal governments have clearly separated powers and operate independently. “Layer Cake”

Cooperative Federalism

A system where state and federal governments work together to solve problems and share responsibilities. “Marble Cake”

Forces Prompting Changes in Federalism

Events like wars, economic crises, or civil rights movements shift power between state and federal governments, like a tug-of-war that changes depending on who needs more control.

Judicial Interpretation in Federalism

Courts decide how power is shared by interpreting the Constitution, like a referee who changes the rules mid-game, sometimes favoring the states, sometimes the federal government.

Categorical Grants

Federal money for specific state programs with strict rules—like giving someone money only if they spend it on school supplies, not whatever they want.

Block Grants

Federal money given for broad purposes with fewer rules, like giving someone cash to buy groceries however they choose, not just one food item.

Preemption

When the federal government takes over a job the state was doing, like a parent stepping in to handle something a kid usually does on their own.

Unfunded Mandates

When the federal government makes states do something but doesn’t give them money for it, like telling a kid to clean up a mess they didn’t make and not helping.

National Crises and Demands (Influence on Federalism)

Big events like the Great Depression or 9/11 gave the federal government more power, like calling in the biggest firefighter for a huge fire when local help isn’t enough.

Professionalization of State Governments (Influence on Federalism)

As states got smarter and more skilled, they took on more responsibilities and innovated in policy-making, like a kid growing up and being trusted to handle more chores on their own.

New Federalism

A push to give more power back to the states with an emphasis on block grants and reducing federal mandates, like a parent letting their teen make more choices and manage their own money.

Coercive Federalism

The federal government forces states to follow rules using pressure, like a parent saying do it my way or lose your allowance.

Advantages of Federalism

It encourages political participation, lets states try new ideas, and fits local needs, like each classroom having its own rules that still follow school policy.

Disadvantages of Federalism

Different state rules can cause confusion, waste, or overlap, like each teacher having totally different class rules that stress students out.

Policy Conflicts (California)

California's progressive laws on immigration, climate, and equity often clash with federal mandates, leading to lawsuits, like a rebellious teen challenging strict parental rules.

Fiscal Dependencies (California)

California depends on federal money for key programs, showing how states and the national government are financially tied, like a college student still needing their parents’ help to pay rent.

Areas of Cooperation (California)

California and the federal government team up on things like disaster relief and highways, like two teammates passing the ball to win the game together.

Impact on Residents (California)

State and federal policies shape daily life in California, influencing areas like healthcare, education, and environmental regulations, like parents with different rules both affecting how a kid lives at home.