How federalism works in America! Federalism

© EMC Publishing, LLC Federalism = A political system in which power is divided between national and state governments. In a federal system, national and state governments are independent yet interdependent— — that is, they possess certain unique powers and share other powers.

Why the United States Has a Federal System © EMC Publishing, LLC The founding fathers created a compromise between a strong state government and a strong national government. This compromise helped the founders gain support to ratify the Constitution.

Implied Powers of the National Government © EMC Publishing, LLC Implied powers are powers not listed in the Constitution but suggested by the expressed powers. The necessary and proper clause of the Constitution gives the national government the power to make laws that are “necessary and proper” for fulfilling congressional duties, even though not specified by the Constitution.

Nonspecified Presidential Powers © EMC Publishing, LLC Inherent powers are presidential powers that are implied but not stated in the Constitution. Inherent powers developed as presidents did what they thought was necessary to fulfill the nation’s laws. Example: Thomas Jefferson approved the Louisiana Purchase because he thought it was for the nation’s good.

Solving National and State Conflicts © EMC Publishing, LLC The supremacy clause is a constitutional rule saying that national laws will prevail over state laws when they conflict (U.S. Constitution, Article VI, Section 2). However, some parts of the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, limit the power of the national government.

State Powers: Allowed or Denied © EMC Publishing, LLC Reserved powers are powers assigned or given to state governments. Example: The authority to establish public schools Delegated powers are powers assigned or given to the national government and denied to the states.

Shared Powers © EMC Publishing, LLC Concurrent powers are powers shared by the national government and the states. Examples: The power to collect taxes, charter and regulate banks, establish highways, and pass and enforce laws

National Obligations to the States © EMC Publishing, LLC The Constitution says the national government should: Ensure that every state has a republican form of government Protect the states Respect states’ boundaries Enforce states’ representation in Congress

Alternatives to Federalism © EMC Publishing, LLC In a unitary system, the central government has all power. Example: Great Britain In a confederal system, the local government has all power. Example: European Union

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

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

Effects of Federalism on Citizens © EMC Publishing, LLC 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.

Results of the Increased Flexibility under Federalism © EMC Publishing, LLC 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

Balance between National and State Governments © EMC Publishing, LLC 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.

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

Events That Changed Governmental Power © EMC Publishing, LLC Civil War Great Depression / New Deal Civil rights movement September 11, 2001 attacks

© EMC Publishing, LLC Reasons for National Control Social and economic problems, such as pollution and discrimination, are easier to solve at the national level. Members of Congress want to control policies that will affect their own states. Congress can block states from doing certain things, such as practicing segregation.

© EMC Publishing, LLC Getting States to Cooperate Federal policy makers experience difficulties enforcing legislation in the states.

© EMC Publishing, LLC How the National Government Influences the States

© EMC Publishing, LLC Moving Power to the States Devolution = The effort to give more power and responsibility back to the states Frustration with the size of the national government has led to the movement called devolution.

© EMC Publishing, LLC Moving Power to the States The push for devolution has come from three sources: The states themselves Congress The Supreme Court The national government and the states constantly struggle for power.

© EMC Publishing, LLC Devolution and the Bush Administration Before September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush planned to strengthen states’ rights. After September 11, 2001, this plan faded because of the national government’s increased role in protecting the country.