Overview
This lecture covers the structure, evolution, and contemporary dynamics of American federalism, including the division of power between state and federal governments, intergovernmental relations, and the advantages and disadvantages of the system.
Foundations of American Federalism
- Federalism divides powers between the federal government and the states, allowing each to act directly on the people.
- The US Constitution establishes two levels of elected government with defined functions.
- The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
- The Supremacy Clause makes federal law the supreme law of the land over conflicting state laws.
Division of Powers
- Enumerated powers for Congress are listed in Article I, Section 8, including taxing, regulating commerce, and defending the nation.
- States retain “reserved powers” such as administering education, health care, and public safety.
- Both levels share concurrent powers like taxation and law enforcement.
- National and state governments are restricted from infringing on personal liberties or violating certain constitutional provisions.
Evolution of Federalism
- Early Supreme Court decisions (McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden) established broad federal authority and national supremacy.
- Dual federalism (late 1800s): clear—often rigid—separation of state and federal functions.
- Cooperative federalism (1930s onward): blending of state and federal roles, especially during the New Deal and Great Society with joint programs and funding.
- New Federalism (1970s–1980s): efforts to decentralize power and give states more flexibility, though federal power has often increased in crises.
Intergovernmental Relationships
- Federal grants (categorical, block, general revenue sharing) are used to influence state actions, most commonly as categorical grants with strict criteria.
- Unfunded mandates require states/localities to meet federal requirements without sufficient funding (e.g., the Real ID Act), leading to state complaints over costs.
- The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) aimed to limit unfunded mandates but has offered limited relief.
Competitive Federalism Today
- States and federal government compete or collaborate on issues like immigration and marriage equality, sometimes shifting responsibility.
- Supreme Court decisions (e.g., Arizona v. US, Obergefell v. Hodges) clarify the balance of power.
- Interest groups use "venue shopping" to target the most favorable level or branch of government for policy changes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism
- Advantages: Encourages policy innovation, political participation, and accommodates diversity.
- Disadvantages: Creates economic disparities, can hinder national action, and may lead to “race to the bottom” competition among states.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Federalism — System dividing power between national and state governments.
- Enumerated Powers — Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution.
- Reserved Powers — Powers retained by the states.
- Concurrent Powers — Powers shared by federal and state governments.
- Supremacy Clause — Federal law overrides conflicting state laws.
- Categorical Grant — Federal funds for specific purposes with strict criteria.
- Block Grant — Federal funds with more flexibility for state use.
- Unfunded Mandate — Federal requirements imposed without adequate funding.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between dual and cooperative federalism.
- Study key Supreme Court cases affecting federalism (e.g., McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden, Arizona v. US, Obergefell v. Hodges).
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of federalism for upcoming discussion or essay.