Polotics

What is federalism? What are its characteristics?

• Federalism is a system where power is shared between a national government and state governments.

• Characteristics:

  • Multiple levels of government (national and state)

  • Each level has its own responsibilities

  • Constitution protects both levels from being eliminated by the other

2. What are the three main government systems?

• Confederate system – States have most of the power, national government is weak (e.g., Articles of Confederation).

• Unitary system – National government has all the power, states follow its rules (e.g., France, UK).

• Federal system – Power is shared between national and state governments (e.g., the U.S.).

3. Advantages and disadvantages of centralized government policy-making?

• Advantages: Consistency, efficiency, nationwide standards

• Disadvantages: Less flexibility for states, can ignore local needs

4. Who decides the limits of federal power under the Constitution?

• The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and decides what the federal government can or cannot do.

5. What are the enumerated powers of the federal government?

• Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution for the federal government.

• Examples: Printing money, declaring war, regulating trade, maintaining a military

6. What is the "elastic" or "necessary and proper clause"?

• A clause that allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

• Example: The power to regulate commerce led to laws about the internet, which wasn’t around in 1787.

7. What are reserved powers?

• Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for states.

• The Constitution doesn’t list all state powers, but examples include education and police powers.

8. What powers are denied to both federal and state governments?

• They cannot violate rights (e.g., take property without compensation), pass ex post facto laws, or grant titles of nobility.

9. What is the “full faith and credit clause”?

• States must recognize legal documents and court rulings from other states.

• Example: A marriage or driver’s license from one state is valid in another.

10. What is the “privileges and immunities” (comity) clause?

• States cannot discriminate against citizens from other states.

• Example: A state cannot charge higher taxes just because you're from another state.

11. What does the federal government spend most of its money on?

• Biggest expenses: Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, military, and interest on debt.

12. What do state governments spend most of their money on?

• Biggest expenses: Education, healthcare, infrastructure (roads, public transit).

13. How was power divided under different types of federalism?

• Dual Federalism (Layer Cake, 1789–1930s) – Clear division of state and federal powers.

• Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake, 1930s–1960s) – Federal and state governments worked together (e.g., New Deal).

• New Federalism (1960s–present) – More power returned to states (e.g., block grants).

14. What are block and categorical grants?

• Categorical grants – Given for specific purposes (e.g., education, roads).

• Block grants – Given for broader purposes with more state control.

15. What are unfunded mandates?

• Rules that states must follow but with no federal funding.

• The federal government uses penalties or funding cuts to enforce them.

• Example: The Americans with Disabilities Act required wheelchair ramps but didn’t provide money to build them.