Federalism Overview GOVT 2305 Module 3 Federalism A
- Slides: 9
Federalism Overview GOVT 2305, Module 3
Federalism A system in which significant governmental powers are divided between a central government and smaller units such as states. In what political system does all the power reside with the central government? unitary In what political system does the power reside with the states? confederation
Federalism in Large, Diverse Nations • • • Brazil Canada Iraq India Pakistan
Canada does not have states. What are its subunits called? Provinces
Advantages of Federalism • It allows states to take different approaches to problems, essentially becoming laboratories of democracy. Approaches that work in one state can be tried in other states. • It gives local officials, who are closest to the people, the discretion to solve problems.
Federalism and Local Preferences • Massachusetts adopted universal healthcare and it became the model for the Affordable Care Act. • California and Florida prohibit offshore drilling. • Nevada permits brothel prostitution. • Texas prohibits wage garnishment for debt except for child support payments. • A number of states allow casino gambling. • Some states have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage. • States vary greatly in their use of the death penalty.
Disadvantages of Federalism • It ensures a lack of uniformity in policy approaches nationwide. • Travelers, business people, and professionals encounter a hodgepodge of regulations and requirements as they travel, do business, or move from state to state. • It allows state officials the leeway to adopt discriminatory policies against minorities.
Quiz Which form of government has the strongest central government? a) Unitary b) Federal c) Confederal d) The central government is equally powerful in all three of the above. A
What We Have Learned • What is federalism? • How is a federal system similar to/different from a confederation or a unitary system? • What sort of countries have federal systems? • What are the advantages/disadvantages of federalism?
