8-1: Arrangements of National and State Governments

Big Idea: Constitutionalism Enduring Understanding: Federalism reflects the dynamic distribution of power between national and state governments.

Learning Objectives: Explain how societal needs affect the constitutional allocation of power between the national and state governments. Explain how the distribution of powers between national and state governments impacts policymaking.

Unitary Governments Centralized system of government All power vested in a central government Vast majority of nations have unitary governments Ruled out by Framers Bad experience with a distant central government in England

Confederal Governments Decentralized system of government Weak central government Limited power over states No nation has this system today Articles of Confederation United Nations

Federalism Power divided between a central government and regional governments Shared authority between levels Provides balance of order and freedom

Advantages of Federalism Promotes diverse policies Encourages experimentation Encourages creativity States as “laboratories” Provides multiple power centers Difficult for one faction to dominate Economic interests spread out

Advantages of Federalism Increases democracy Government closer to people More opportunities for political participation Decentralizes political conflict Multiple access points to government No one party can dominate

Disadvantages of Federalism Promotes inequality States differ in resources Local interests can delay majority support for a policy Confusion between different levels of government