Lecture on Federalism: States and Federal Government Relations

Introduction to Federalism

Delegated Powers: Powers given to the federal government by the states.
- Examples: Declaring war, making treaties, coining money.
- Also known as exclusive powers.
Reserved Powers: Powers not mentioned in the Constitution and are retained by the states.
- Examples: Education, health, welfare, licensing, and police power.
Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both federal and state governments.
- Examples: Taxing, borrowing money, making laws, building roads.

Dual Federalism (Layer Cake Federalism):
- Lasted for the first 140 years of U.S history.
- Clear separation of state and federal powers, like layers in a cake.
Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake Federalism):
- Emerged post-FDR and the New Deal.
- Federal and state powers are intermingled, blurring lines between their responsibilities.

Categorical Grants:
- Federal money given for specific purposes.
- Congress dictates the use of funds, increasing federal power.
- Often comes with conditions of aid (e.g., raising drinking age to 21).
Mandates:
- Orders that states must comply with, funded or unfunded.
- Example: Americans with Disabilities Act requiring accessibility improvements.
Block Grants:
- Federal funds for broader purposes, allowing states more discretion.
Revenue Sharing:
- No longer exists.
- Federal money given with no strings attached.

Federal government uses grants to gain leverage in areas not constitutionally under its control (e.g., education, health, welfare).
States benefit from spending federal money without raising taxes but must adhere to federal conditions, losing some autonomy.

The federal government's power has evolved over time, often at the expense of state autonomy.
The next topic will explore further how federal power has grown over states.

Consider checking out the ultimate review packet for more insights into unit one.
Stay tuned for the next video to learn about additional federal power dynamics.