PLS - CH3 Federalism

Introduction to Federalism

• Federalism: A system of government where two separate levels of government exist—national and state—in the same geographic area.

• Differentiates from other systems: Unitarians (one central government) and Confederal (a loose alliance of independent states).

Structure of Federalism in the U.S.

Dual Governments

• The U.S. has two distinct governments:

  • National Government: Controls over all states.

  • State Governments: Each state has its own government separate from the national government.

Individual Rights

• Rights may vary from state to state.

• States can provide additional rights beyond those defined by the national government.

Power Distribution

Types of Powers

• Federal Government:

  • Enumerated Powers: Specifically listed powers (e.g., power to create currency).

  • Implied Powers: Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for federal functions, highlighted by the Necessary and Proper Clause.

• State Government:

  • Delegated Powers: Powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.

  • Reserved Powers: Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for states (10th Amendment).

• Concurrent Powers: Shared powers between federal and state governments (e.g., court systems).

Evolution of Federalism

Historical Context

• Early favor towards states' rights, especially from 1789 to the early 20th century.

• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Established that the federal government could use implied powers to carry out its functions, leading to increased federal authority.

• Shift towards federal power became prominent after the Great Depression and during the New Deal era.

Financial Dynamics

Federal Grants

• Federal government provides grants to states, often with conditions attached (strings attached).

  • Categorical Grants: Highly restrictive, requiring strict adherence to federal guidelines.

  • Block Grants: Less restrictive, allowing states more flexibility in usage.

Current Trends in Federalism

• Shift from dual federalism to cooperative federalism, indicating a blending of powers rather than strict separation.

• Potential new shifts in federalism, especially regarding state challenges to federal authority.

Pros and Cons of Federalism

Advantages

• Two layers of government provide more accessible and responsive services to citizens.

• States can tailor responses to crises based on local geography and economies.

• Encourages policy experimentation at the state level. Successful policies may be adopted by other states or federally.

Disadvantages

• Complexity due to multiple layers of government, including local governments (e.g., school districts, city governments).

• Disparities in state resources, leading to uneven services like Medicaid coverage from state to state.

Conclusion

• Evaluating whether the pros outweigh the cons of federalism remains a subjective assessment.