Objective: Explain how societal needs affect the constitutional allocation of power between national and state governments
Definition of Federalism: Sharing of power between national and state governments
Key Concepts
Federalism Misconception
Common Mistake: Belief that federalism refers to federal government power
Correction: Federalism is about the division of power between national and state governments
Importance of Federalism
Significant concept in the AP Government course
Understanding is crucial for exams
Types of Powers
Exclusive Powers
Powers designated to the federal government only
Example: Only federal Congress can declare war
Reserved Powers
Powers retained by the states
Justification: 10th Amendment
"Powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
Examples: Policing, hospitals, education
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both national and state governments
Example: Taxation is shared by both federal and state governments
Shifts in Power: Fiscal Federalism
Fiscal Federalism
Utilization of federal funds to influence state compliance with national standards
Mechanism: Grants
Types of Grants
Categorical Grants
Definition: Federal funds provided with specific federal standards
Conditions: Money must be used for specific purposes dictated by federal government
Historical Example: Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
Block Grants
Definition: Federal funds provided with fewer restrictions
Flexibility: States have more discretion on spending
Example: Community development block grants
Mandates and Compliance
Federal Mandates
States must comply with federal directives
Often require financial support from federal government
Example: Clean Air Act
Unfunded Mandates
Federal mandates with no accompanying funds for implementation
Example: No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Legislative Changes
Devolution Revolution: Power returned to states starting in the 1980s (Ronald Reagan)
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (1995): Limited the federal government's power to issue unfunded mandates
Conclusion
Federalism: Dynamic sharing of power between state and national governments
Evolution: Changes occur based on societal needs and issues of the time
Study Tip
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