Crash Course Government and Politics: Federalism

Introduction to Federalism

• Federalism: A system in which governmental power is divided between the national government and individual states.
• The federal government refers to the US government as a whole, while state governments handle their respective states.
• Federation of states: The US can be considered a federation. Different people interpret this differently.

Key Aspects of Federalism

• The national government handles international affairs, mail delivery, etc.
• State governments manage licenses (e.g., driver's, barber's), certain taxes, and more.
• Some government functions like taxes are shared between state and national governments.

Types of Federalism

• Dual Federalism (1788-1937):

  • Government power is strictly divided between state and national governments.
  • National government handles internal improvements, tariffs, public lands, patents, currency.
  • State government handles property laws, family law, morality laws, public health, education, and more.
  • Known as layer cake federalism due to this clear division.

• Cooperative Federalism (Post-1930s):

  • Enhanced role of the federal government, especially post-New Deal.
  • National government encourages states to pursue national goals, often through financial means (grants).
  • Known as marble cake federalism due to the mixing of state and national functions.

• Grants-in-aid:

  • Categorical grants: Specific purpose (transportation, education).
  • Formula grants: Based on a formula (e.g., welfare aid under AFDC).
  • Project grants: States compete for funds.
  • Block grants: Large sums for general purposes, with state discretion on spending.

• Regulated Federalism:

  • National mandates that states must follow (EPA regulations, civil rights standards).
  • Unfunded mandates: States must comply without federal funding.

New Federalism

• Popularized by Nixon and Reagan, emphasizing state power.
• Block grants: More state discretion.
• Devolution: Power enforcement shifted to state/local levels.
• 10th Amendment: Powers not delegated to the US are reserved to states or people. Used to challenge the Commerce Clause.

Modern Federalism

• Mix of cooperative federalism with regulation.
• Presidents like Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton pushed for block grants.
• George W. Bush leaned towards regulated federalism.
• Ongoing debate about national government size and costs relative to what the framers intended.

Conclusion

• Dual federalism with state-dominated governance is unlikely due to institutional power retention.
• Federalism remains a complex and evolving system in the US.

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