Federalism Notes

FEDERALISM

Definition - The way of organizing a nation so that two or

more levels of government have formal authority

over the land and its people.

Why is it Important?

• Decentralizes politics
• More opportunities to participate
• Allows states to take care of things first

Constitutional Basis:

• Division of power: Constitution,

Congress, Treaties, State Constitutions,

State Laws

• 10th Amendment: powers not delegated

to the government by Constitution are

reserved to the states

Basis of Federalism:

• State obligations to one another
• Full faith and credit clause
• Extradition
• Privileges and immunities clause

ESTABLISHING NATIONAL SUPREMACY

McCulloch v Maryland - Wanted to tax banks

• Court ruled that state governments cannot tax federal institutions

Brown v Board of Education - Struggle for race equality in education

• Court ruled that not

having race equality

was unconstitutional

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS TODAY

Dual Federalism - The state and national governments remain

supreme. Both are responsible for some policies.

Cooperative Federalism - Political powers and policy

assignments are shared between

the state and national governments.

• Shared costs and administrations
• States follow federal guidelines

Fiscal Federalism - The pattern of spending, taxing, and

giving grants, mainly by the national

government. This is the cornerstone of the

national government’s relations with the

country and world.

Grant System

• Project Grants: Based on merits
• Formula Grants: Based on formulas

set by Congress; the amount varies

• Block Grants: Given automatically

to support broad programs

• $300 billion in grants yearly
• Universalism: Something for everyone
• Grants are given to states and

local governments

Mandates

• “Strings attached”
• Unfunded Mandates: required with

no money given

• Example: NCLB