American Federal Government Federalism What is this Federalism

American Federal Government – Federalism

What is this Federalism? • Definition – A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments • United States – Federal, state, local, and special district governments

Are we the oddballs again? • Federal System: The national and state governments share responsibility with varying levels of strength • Unitary System: The national government is selfish and wants all the power…seriously though, in these systems the national government dictates all government action

So, who decided this? • Please don’t tell me that you forgot last weeks lecture already…please? ? – Expressed powers (Art. I, Sect. 8) vs. reserved powers (10 th Amendment) • Police Power: States regulate • Concurrent Power: Joint regulation

Has it always been that way…NO! • Evolution of American Federalism – Dual federalism was our main system until the late-1930’s…then the courts got involved. – Courts granted more power to national government – Result: Cooperative (“marble cake”) federalism • Intertwining of federal and state functions & resources

Okay, its not JUST the courts fault • Balancing Federal and State Power/Responsibilities • Growth of the Federal Government: Why? • • • Interpretation of the Constitution Civil War Amendments 16 th Amendment: Taxation The New Deal World Wars Brown v. Board of Education (1954), Eisenhower, & Little Rock

Mmm…marble cake • Current Patterns – Grants-in-Aid • Categorical grants: Here’s the money…but • Block grants: Go have a good time – $300 billion increase in 50 years – Does anyone see a potential problem? – Anyone…Bueller…

Read my lips…this is going to be a problem – Oops, someone (everyone) forgot that with an increase in federal spending and regulation comes an increase in ____ – “Unfunded mandates” • Legislation passed by Congress which requires states to take actions but which provides no funding to the states • Resulting in higher state taxes

Doing a half-a$$ed job – Goal: Help the lower-class through re-distribution of wealth – Means: Placing mandatory policies on all states in order to assure uniform treatment – Problem: Who is going to run on the campaign of raising taxes…. Nobody…that’s who. – Consequence: States cut funding in other areas and people develop more negative views of national programs

Federalism: Which Level do Americans Prefer?

Please be more negative Matthew • Goes back to the fundamental question of what is our political culture and do all 50 states believe in the same ideas • Different states have different beliefs – what happens when the national government makes states do something they don’t want to do – Welfare: Sticks versus Carrots

But are States Any Better? • Maybe…but have you ever gone to the DMV…maybe not. – More specific problems – Better understand v. More knowledge – Civic engagement increase? – GOP (1980) v. GOP (today)