Federalism and Nationalism Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 FEDERALISM

Federalism and Nationalism Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

In this chapter, you will: • Learn what federalism is • Explore the strengths of federal and state governments • Examine how federalism works—how it has evolved • Review the contemporary conflicts that surround federalism • Explore American nationalism, the force that binds and shapes our federalist polity CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

Forging Federalism • The United States rebelled against a unitary system and rejected a federation after trying one for a decade. • The Constitutional Convention created a new hybrid form of government: a federal system of shared and overlapping powers. Power is divided and shared between national and state governments. • American federalism is further complicated by local governments, which are reliant on state government for their authority. CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

Who Holds Government Authority? • The most important question in federalism is where to place responsibility—on the state or national level. • State-level policy has four advantages: It reflects local needs, enables innovations in the laboratories of democracy, protects rights, and enhances choice. • National-level policy also has four advantages: It enhances fairness (avoiding a race to the bottom), equalizes resources, promotes national standards and best practices, and facilitates coordination. CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

How Federalism Works • The Constitution grants the national government both delegated (or enumerated) powers and implied powers. Some features of the Constitution emphasize broad national powers (e. g. , the elastic clause); others seem to emphasize state power (the Tenth Amendment). • Successive eras of federalism: dual federalism with clearly demarcated authority; cooperative federalism with federal dominance and blurred lines; New federalism, less federal money, more state authority – now a goal of the Trump administration; and Progressive federalism with national goals and state innovations. • Federalism reflects the increasing polarization of the country. CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

Issues in Federalism • Devolution transfers responsibility back to state and local governments. • Both parties in office take a varied approach that belies the simple expectation that Democrats seek national programs while Republicans try to devolve power to state and local authorities. • The courts have played an important role in defining federalism • In recent years the Supreme Court has tended to tilt toward local and state power. CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

Nationalism, American Style • Americans have long felt a strong sense of nationalism. This helps bind together a large and diverse nation with a fragmented government. • Nationalist bonds can also turn corrosive and exclusionary. “Nationalists” claiming America stands only for Anglo-Saxons or Christians or English speakers sow division. • A weak government means that American institutions (and officials) rank relatively low on three dimensions: size, authority, and independence. • The political results include an emphasis on citizen participation, the importance of building alliances, and a reliance on power and money. CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

Nationalism, American Style – America’s Weak National Government • Passionate nationalist sense linked to relatively weak governing institution • Strength of central governments measured by three principles: size, authority and independence • Size – American national government smaller than other nations – Grew after World War I – U. S. government still spends less than most other wealthy nations CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

Nationalism, American Style • Authority – Most developed nations had powerful and efficient national bureaucracies, American government engaged citizens without bureaucracy – Civic voluntarism: citizens voluntarily participating in public life without government involvement » » Projected robust nationalist feeling Widespread individual efforts for the common good Lived on for generations U. S. emphasizes community participation over centralized administration – Independence » Americans separate and divide governing power more than any other wealthy country » Federalism operates along a vertical dimension » Power is shared among different levels of government CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM