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Federalism

American Federal Government. Federalism. What is this Federalism?. Definition A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments United States Federal, state, local, and special district governments.

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Federalism

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  1. AmericanFederalGovernment • Federalism

  2. What is this Federalism? • Definition • A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments • United States • Federal, state, local, and special district governments

  3. Are we the oddballs again? • Federal System: The national and state governments share responsibility with varying levels of strength • Unitary System: The national government is selfish and wants all the power…seriously though, in these systems the national government dictates all government action

  4. So, who decided this? • Please don’t tell me that you forgot last weeks lecture already…please?? • Expressed powers (Art. I, Sect. 8) vs. reserved powers (10th Amendment) • Police Power: States regulate • Concurrent Power: Joint regulation

  5. Has it always been that way…NO! • Evolution of American Federalism • Dual federalism was our main system until the late-1930’s…then the courts got involved. • Courts granted more power to national government • Result: Cooperative (“marble cake”) federalism • Intertwining of federal and state functions & resources

  6. Okay, its not JUST the courts fault • Balancing Federal and State Power/Responsibilities • Growth of the Federal Government: Why? • Interpretation of the Constitution • Civil War Amendments • 16th Amendment: Taxation • The New Deal • World Wars • Brown v. Board of Education (1954), Eisenhower, & Little Rock

  7. Mmm…marble cake • Current Patterns • Grants-in-Aid • Categorical grants: Here’s the money…but • Block grants: Go have a good time • $300 billion increase in 50 years • Does anyone see a potential problem? • Anyone…Bueller…Bueller…

  8. Read my lips…this is going to be a problem • Oops, someone (everyone) forgot that with an increase in federal spending and regulation comes an increase in ____ • “Unfunded mandates” • Legislation passed by Congress which requires states to take actions but which provides no funding to the states • Resulting in higher state taxes

  9. Doing a half-a$$ed job • Goal: Help the lower-class through re-distribution of wealth • Means: Placing mandatory policies on all states in order to assure uniform treatment • Problem: Who is going to run on the campaign of raising taxes….Nobody…that’s who. • Consequence: States cut funding in other areas and people develop more negative views of national programs

  10. Federalism: Which Level do Americans Prefer?

  11. Please be more negative Matthew • Goes back to the fundamental question of what is our political culture and do all 50 states believe in the same ideas • Different states have different beliefs • what happens when the national government makes states do something they don’t want to do • Welfare: Sticks versus Carrots

  12. But are States Any Better? • Maybe…but have you ever gone to the DMV…maybe not. • More specific problems • Better understand v. More knowledge • Civic engagement increase? • GOP (1980) v. GOP (today)

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