Section 2 The Changing Balance: American Federalism over Time Chapter 4 Federalism Section 2 The Changing Balance: American Federalism over Time

Federalism Original goals of federalism: Enable the government to take effective action Help maintain economic stability Regulate disputes among states Preserve state independence © EMC Publishing, LLC

Effects of Federalism on State Politics States benefit from a national government. States compete against each other for business. Example: States offer tax breaks to businesses locating within their borders. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Effects of Federalism on Citizens Citizens have access to officials and the processes of government. Groups of people who try to influence public policy—called interest groups—have more power. Note to teachers: The photo shows supporters of legalizing immigrants rallying in Los Angeles. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Results of the Increased Flexibility under Federalism Advantages Makes it possible to solve problems at the level where they occur Allows for a variety of state experiments to provide the best solutions for all Disadvantages Leads to a harmful absorption of great expenses Causes inconsistencies from state to state © EMC Publishing, LLC

Balance between National and State Governments The Constitution is vague about the distribution of power between national and state governments. Supreme Court rulings directly affect both types of government. Major events, such as the September 11, 2001, attacks, transform state and national governments. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Growth of Government American government is growing at all levels: National State Local © EMC Publishing, LLC

Why Has Government Grown? Larger population Complex economy Natural disasters Terrorism Technology and industry Increasing demands create larger governments! © EMC Publishing, LLC

Your Turn Nullification was a state’s power to nullify, or reject, national laws with which the state disagreed. This power became ineffective after the Civil War. If nullification were a state power today, which federal laws do you think states might choose to nullify? Explain your answer. Note to teachers: Students may suggest any federal law or kind of federal law that went into effect after the Civil War. Laws may include topics such as environmental protection, homeland security, women’s suffrage, abortion, and child labor laws. Have students explain their answers. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Events That Changed Governmental Power Civil War Great Depression / New Deal Civil rights movement September 11, 2001 attacks Note to teachers: The second photo shows Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement. © EMC Publishing, LLC