1. Federalism

2. Forms of Government (Organizing a nation)
Where is the power located?
Unitary system
Confederation
Federal system

3. 1. What does UNITARY mean?
Political system where power is located with one central government organization
The central government “passes out” power or duties to local governments

4. 2. What is a CONFEDERATION?
Political system where power resides with the state or local governments
Has a weak or very limited national government
3. How does the national gov get powers?
The states grant power to it (states are supreme)
4. Why is NULLIFICATION a potential problem?
States could do whatever they want; No consistency in laws, rules, trade, taxes, currency

5. Defining Federalism What is Federalism?
A system of government where national and state levels both have powers and authority over the people
5. How is federalism a compromise?
National government has powers.
States have powers.
Both can make laws within the limits of their assigned duties.
6. Compare unitary and confederal (chart)

6. 7. Most governments today are federal?
FALSE!
Most are unitary in some way
Keep in mind that unitary can be democratic, dictatorship, monarchy, oligarchy, etc.

7. Defining Federalism

8. 8. Reasons for federalism in the US?
to avoid tyranny (rule by only 1 person or group)
to allow more participation in politics
to use the states as "laboratories" for new ideas and programs.
Try something new in Missouri. If it works here, maybe it would work in other states or across the nation?

9. 9. How does federalism increase participation in politics?
More opportunities to vote
More chances to run for office (get elected)
Policy decisions are more “local”
States can solve the same problem in different ways.
Example: Some states have an income tax to fund programs, education, etc.. Others do not (they have higher sales taxes, instead?).

10. The Constitutional Basis of Federalism
The Hierarchy of Authority/Power
Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution
The U.S. Constitution
Laws of Congress
Treaties
State Constitutions
State Laws
Local city or county ordinances (laws)

11. Delegated Powers Also called ENUMERATED (listed) powers
Powers listed in the Constitution in writing
Generally granted only to the federal government
Declare war, print money, raise an army, issue patents or copyrights, etc.
Some powers may be CONCURRENT (shared) with the states (power to tax)

12. Implied Powers Come from the “elastic” clause in the Constitution
Congress can make laws or do things that are not listed in the Constitution
Can be broadly interpreted ... And has given Congress a lot of power in recent decades

13. Inherent Powers
Powers not listed, but are “obviously” needed to carry out the duties of government
Example: President can issue executive orders to carry out laws; Congress can regulate immigration

14. Reserved Powers Come from the 10th Amendment
Anything not delegated (assigned) to the national government automatically becomes a matter for state law
BUT … the national government has become involved in state issues over time (education, health care, marriage, etc.)

15. The Constitutional Basis of Federalism
States’ Obligations to Each Other
Full Faith and Credit
Must honor documents, contracts, etc. of other states
Extradition
Sending criminals back to where crime was committed for trial
Privileges and Immunities
States cannot discriminate against citizens of other states

16. Who Has the Power?!?

17. History of Federalism
1. What basic principle did McCulloch v. Maryland establish?
Supremacy of the federal government over the states
2. Two main questions asked …
Was the Bank of the US constitutional? Yes
Could it be taxed by the state(s)?
No. The states cannot tax a federal organization

18. History of Federalism
3. What did John C. Calhoun believe about federalism?
That states could nullify a federal law if they found it harmful
4. How did the Civil War establish national supremacy?
States could not secede from the union … Once you are in, you stay.

19. History of Federalism
5. What was the purpose of “alphabet agencies” during the New Deal/Great Depression era?
To relieve poverty and economic distress of farmers, homeowners, businesses, laborers, and banks
6. What was the impact of these agencies on federal power?
Significantly increased federal powers!!

20. History of Federalism
7. How did New Frontier and Great Society programs affect the power of the federal government?
Increased authority, more taxes, support from the public to fight poverty and racism

21. Federalism – More recently
8. Nixon, Reagan, Bush (Sr.) – attitude?
Wanted to slow the growth of the federal government
Return power back to the states
9. What was dual federalism?
Federal and state kept their own powers and duties mostly separate from each other
Began to change during the Great Depression

22. Federalism - Today
10. How does the federal government use grants to maintain supremacy?
Giving money to the states for programs or projects
But … requiring states to follow federal rules or guidelines to continue funding

23. Federalism - Today 11. How did Reagan attempt to use block grants?
Giving sums of money to the states, but allowing them to use it without too many rules or “strings” attached
Unfunded mandates – federal gov requires states to carry out policy or programs, but does not provide enough funding to do so

24. How many grants??

25. Understanding Federalism
Advantages for Democracy
Increasing access to government
Local problems can be solved locally
Hard for political parties / interest groups to dominate ALL politics
Disadvantages for Democracy
States have different levels of service
Local interest can counteract national interests
Too many levels of government - too much money

26. Understanding Federalism
State Welfare Benefits (Figure 3.3)

27. Understanding Federalism
Spending on Public Education (Figure 3.4)

28. Understanding Federalism

29. Understanding Federalism
Federalism and the Scope of Government
Which level of government is best able to solve the problem?
Which level of government is best able to fund solutions to the problem?