Lecture Notes on Federalism

Introduction

• Instructor: Jared Wagonish
• Topic: Federalism in the United States Government
• Goals:
  • Understand what federalism is
  • Learn how federalism operates
  • Grasp the importance and impact of federalism

What is Federalism?

• Definition: A system of government where power is distributed between national and state governments.
• Structure:
  • National Government: Governs the entire country
  • State Governments: 50 state governments manage state-specific affairs
  • Local Governments: Operate under state governments

Historical Context

• Colonial Times:
  • U.S. was a British colony until independence in 1776
  • Desire to avoid a powerful national government like Britain's
• Articles of Confederation:
  • Loose alliance of states, weak national government
  • Issues: Lack of central authority
• Constitution of 1787:
  • Balance between national and state power
  • Creation of the current federal system

Models of Federalism

Dual Federalism (Layer Cake Federalism)

• Concept: Power is clearly divided between national and state governments
• Characteristics:
  • "Stay in your lane" philosophy
  • Express powers for national government: making treaties, declaring war, printing money, regulating interstate commerce
  • Reserved powers for state governments: running elections, police powers, education, marriage laws

Cooperative Federalism

• Concept: National and state governments share powers and responsibilities
• Models:
  • Marble Cake Federalism: Blurring of powers between layers
    • Examples: Marriage laws, elections, workplace safety, education
  • Picket Fence Federalism:
    • National and state governments work together on specific issues (education, economy, defense, public health)

Importance of Federalism

• Policy Making:
  • Determines who has authority to make and implement laws
  • Involves discussions about limitations of national and state powers
• Dynamic Power Balance:
  • Tug-of-war between national and state governments
  • Founding Fathers intended for power to be balanced and contested
  • Historical shifts in power dynamics

Conclusion

• Reflection:
  • Be able to explain what federalism is, how it functions, and its significance
• Extension Activity:
  • Analyze current events to see examples of federalism in action
  • Determine the use of dual or cooperative federalism in contemporary issues