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Federalism

Federalism. A political system where there are national and local units of government that can make decisions on some governmental activities.

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Federalism

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  1. Federalism A political system where there are national and local units of government that can make decisions on some governmental activities.

  2. Federalist 39 The Constitution “is in strictness, neither a national nor a federal constitution, but a composition of both” Federalist 46 Both the state and federal governments “are in fact but different agents and trustees of the people” Federalist 28 “…if their (the people) rights are invaded by either, they can make use of the other as an instrument of redress”

  3. FEDERAL National Government Sovereignty is shared States Both national & state gov have power over the people The People of the State

  4. CONFEDERATION States States sovereign Central Government States enter for defense / trade The People of the state

  5. UNITARY National Government Local government can be altered/abolished by national government Sovereignty wholly in the hands of the national government The People

  6. “…a Federal Republic” • No historical precedent • Both levels of government would have certain powers, but neither would have supreme power • Different agents/trustees of the people • If people’s rights are invaded by either, they can make use of the other as the instrument of redress • 10th Amendment – an afterthought • Different interpretations by different Framers

  7. “Parasitic and Poisonous” Harold Laski “Main effect of federalism since the Civil War has been to perpetuate racism” William Riker “virtue of the federal system lies in its ability to develop and maintain mechanisms vital to the perpetuation of the unique combination of government strength, political flexibility, and individual liberty…” Daniel Elazer Two Views…

  8. Protects powerful local interests Caters to self-interest of corrupt politicians Maintains racial segregation Protects vested interests Facilitates corruption Mobilizes political activity Promotes individual liberty Attacks segregation Regulates harmful economic practices Purifies politics before ideas gain national support FEDERALISM

  9. Effects of Federalism… Mobilizes political activity • More people will become involved in political activity • Decentralizes authority • Lowers the cost of organized political activity

  10. Does Congress have the power to establish a bank? Is it an enumerated power? Article 1, sec 8 Is it a delegated power? If Congress does have the right to establish a bank, can a federal bank be taxed by a state? McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

  11. State / Federal Conflicts • Nullification • Dual Federalism • Interstate v. Intrastate Commerce • State Sovereignty

  12. 20TH Century Imbalance of power between national and state governments National gov. assumed more responsibility/authority to deal with issues Economic Social

  13. GRANTS IN AID • Land grants by government to finance education • State universities built with land grant money • Congress gave $200,000to pay for militia • $114 million • $300 million • over $100 billion • 15% of total federal spending/ • 25-30% of state budgets from feds.

  14. 5 Largest Programs • Low income housing • Medicaid • Highway construction • Services to unemployed • Welfare for disabled & mothers dependent children

  15. REASONS WHY FEDERAL MONEY WAS ATTRACTIVE TO STATE OFFICIALS • Practical Reasons: • Helped state and local governments solve problems • Gave states access to tax money of the fed. Gov. • Washington pays bills / states run programs

  16. Economic Reasons: • Federal gov. had surplus of money in budget • Federal income tax • Federal control of money supply • Federal authority to print more money if needed

  17. Political Reasons: Free money for state projects a. whole country pays, not just the state b. money to one state literally guaranteed money to all states

  18. 1960’s Shift From what states demanded… To what feds considered national need Aid to the poor Combat crime Reduce pollution Deal with drug abuse

  19. CATEGORICAL GRANTS For a specific purpose “strings attached” States must match some of grant $ Conditions –in - aid BLOCK GRANTS General rather specific purpose

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