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

2. Federalism Original goals of federalism:
Enable the government to take effective action
Help maintain economic stability
Regulate disputes among states
Preserve state independence
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3. 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.
Dual Federalism- National and State govern separate spheres.
Advantage for states because it gives them more control over policy making.
Cooperative Federalism- National and State share.
Last century, America is moving away from dual federalism toward cooperative federalism.

4. 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.
The Fourteenth Amendment puts limits on a state’s power over its residents.
Note to teachers: The photo shows supporters of legalizing immigrants rallying in Los Angeles.
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5. 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
Considered “laboratories of democracy”. Most closely related to flexibility.
Disadvantages
Leads to a harmful absorption of great expenses
Causes inconsistencies from state to state
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6. Balance between National and State Governments
The Constitution is vague about the distribution of power between national and state governments.
General rule, states cannot be involved in foreign affairs, such as signing an agreement with a foreign country.
Supreme Court rulings directly affect both types of government.
Major events, such as the September 11, 2001, attacks, transform state and national governments.
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7. 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.
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8. Growth of Government American government is growing at all levels:
National
State
Local
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9. Why Has Government Grown?
Larger population
Complex economy
Natural disasters
Terrorism
Technology and industry
The ruling of Gibbons v. Odgen increased Congress’s powers over the states because it expanded Congress’s role in interstate trade.
Increasing demands create larger governments!
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10. Events That Changed Governmental Power
Civil War
14th Amendment limited states power over its residents.
Established due process for citizens and established citizenship rights that states had to follow.
Great Depression / New Deal
Civil rights movement
September 11, 2001 attacks
All these created a stronger national government.
Note to teachers: The second photo shows Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement.

11. Guided Reading C. Interest groups D. Costs Supreme Court A. Liberals
B. Chief justice
D. Franklin Roosevelt
E. Supreme Court
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