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.
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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.
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
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.
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. Growth of Government American government is growing at all levels:
National
State
Local
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8. Why Has Government Grown?
Larger population
Complex economy
Natural disasters
Terrorism
Technology and industry
Increasing demands create larger governments!
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9. 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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10. 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.
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