U.S. Federalism and Government Structure

Dual Levels of Government

• Federal System: U.S. citizens are governed by both federal and state governments, each with its own sovereignty within its jurisdiction.
• State Example: Massachusetts laws are passed by the Massachusetts state government.
• Difference from Unitary System: In a unitary government, like France, the national government holds all sovereignty, overriding local governments.

Historical Context

• Articles of Confederation: Initial national government dependent on states.
  • Lacked power to tax or regulate commerce, leading to issues like Shays' Rebellion.
• Constitutional Transition: Created a stronger federal government while maintaining state authority.
• Constitution: Designed to balance national needs and state existence.

Federalism and Sovereignty

• Federal System: Divides sovereignty between national and state governments.
• Taxation Power: Both levels must have the ability to tax to maintain independence.
• Debate: Whether creating an independent national government was wise.

Constitutional Clauses Influencing Federal Power

1. Necessary and Proper Clause: Broadens federal authority by implying powers beyond those explicitly listed.
2. Commerce Clause: Grants Congress power to regulate interstate commerce extensively.
3. Taxing and Spending Clause: Allows taxation and spending for the general welfare, influencing state policies.

Key Supreme Court Cases

• McCulloch v. Maryland: Established implied powers and federal supremacy, rejecting state attempts to tax federal entities.
• New Deal Era: Expanded federal commerce powers to address the Great Depression's national economic challenges.

Shifts in Federal Power

• Great Society and Medicaid: Federal programs expanded into areas like healthcare and education, traditionally state domains.
• Fiscal Federalism: Use of federal funds to influence state policies, seen in grants and the Medicaid program.

Political Dynamics and Federalism

• Reagan Era: Focused on reducing federal grants and increasing state control via block grants.
• Welfare Reform: 1996 reform aimed to reduce federal assistance reliance, shifting more responsibility to states.
• Post-9/11: Saw increased federal power in national security and education.

Health Care and Federalism

• Affordable Care Act (ACA): Highlighted federal vs. state power conflicts.
  • Individual Mandate: Upheld under Congress’s taxing power.
  • State Opposition: Primarily Republican states challenged the ACA’s federal authority.

Conclusion

• Evolution of Federalism: U.S. federal system has evolved, generally shifting power towards the national government.
• Public Influence: Shifts in federal-state power often align with public sentiment.
• Federal-State Cooperation: Despite conflicts, substantial cooperation exists, especially in federally-funded programs.