American Government: Chapter 3 - American Federalism

Introduction

• Federalism is a key component of the U.S. political system.
• It divides power between the state and federal governments, ensuring checks and balances.
• Federalism balances decentralization (e.g., state taxes, regulations) and centralization (e.g., currency printing).
• The chapter explores the origins, evolution, and functioning of American federalism.

3.1 The Division of Powers

Learning Objectives

• Explain federalism.
• Discuss constitutional logic.
• Identify the powers of federal, state, and local governments.

Federalism Defined

• Federalism: two levels of government (national & subnational) with autonomous authority.
• U.S. Constitution sets this structure, similar to Germany and Mexico.

Characteristics of Federal Systems

1. Two levels of government elected by people with different functions.
   • National: defense, economic prosperity.
   • Subnational: education, safety, healthcare.
2. Written national constitution, amendments need substantial consent.
3. Legislative, judicial, executive authority divided, ensuring autonomy.
   • Federal: President, Congress, Federal courts.
   • State: Governors, state legislatures, state courts.
4. National courts resolve disputes between government levels.
5. Subnational governments represented in national legislature.

Division of Powers

• National government powers: Coining money, defense, taxation, commerce regulation.
• State powers reserved via the Tenth Amendment.
• Shared powers (e.g., taxing, law enforcement).
• Restrictions on federal/state authority (e.g., habeas corpus, bills of attainder).
• Supremacy Clause: Federal laws prevail over conflicting state laws.

3.2 The Evolution of American Federalism

Learning Objectives

• Describe evolution of federalism.
• Compare federalism conceptions.

Historical Context

• Early federalism: Hamilton's national bank, McCulloch v. Maryland.
• National supremacy established; states can't tax federal property.
• Gibbons v. Ogden: Broadened commerce clause interpretation.
• Nullification crisis: States can't nullify national laws.
• Civil War: Shift towards national power.

Dual Federalism

• Exclusive authority by national/state governments (layer cake analogy).
• Supreme Court rulings limited state/federal overreach.

Cooperative Federalism

• Great Depression prompted federal-state cooperation.
• New Deal: Increased federal involvement in social programs.
• National and state government collaboration (marble cake analogy).

New Federalism

• Nixon and Reagan sought to restore state prominence.
• Devolution: Transfer of some federal powers to states.

3.3 Intergovernmental Relationships

Learning Objectives

• Evolution and types of federal grants.
• Characteristics of unfunded mandates.

Federal Grants

• Types: Land grants, categorical grants, block grants.
• Shift from land to cash grants.
• Categorical grants: More federal control, common.
• Block grants: More state flexibility, less common.

Unfunded Mandates

• Federal requirements without compensation.
• Examples include Real ID Act.

3.4 Competitive Federalism Today

Learning Objectives

• Dynamics of competitive federalism.
• Issues between states and federal government.

Policy Issues

• Immigration and marriage equality are key areas of contention.
• Federal and state roles in these areas have evolved.

Case Studies

• Arizona's immigration laws challenged federal supremacy.
• Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and subsequent Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality.

3.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism

Learning Objectives

• Discuss advantages and disadvantages of federalism.

Advantages

• Promotes policy innovation and diversity.
• Allows for political participation.

Disadvantages

• Economic disparities between states.
• Race to the bottom in business regulations.
• Challenges in addressing national issues.