Chapter 3: American Federalism Show
CHAPTER SUMMARY 3.1The Division of PowersFederalism is a system of government that creates two relatively autonomous levels of government, each possessing authority granted to them by the national constitution. Federal systems like the one in the United States are different from unitary systems, which concentrate authority in the national government, and from confederations, which concentrate authority in subnational governments. The U.S. Constitution allocates powers to the states and federal government, structures the relationship between these two levels of government, and guides state-to-state relationships. Federal, state, and local governments rely on different sources of revenue to enable them to fulfill their public responsibilities. RECALL KEY TERMSCHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDINGTHINK CRITICALLYWhat are the main functions of federal and state governments? CHAPTER SUMMARY 3.2The Evolution of American FederalismFederalism in the United States has gone through several phases of evolution during which the relationship between the federal and state governments has varied. In the era of dual federalism, both levels of government stayed within their own jurisdictional spheres. During the era of cooperative federalism, the federal government became active in policy areas previously handled by the states. The 1970s ushered in an era of new federalism and attempts to decentralize policy management. RECALL KEY TERMSCHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDINGTHINK CRITICALLYWhat are the main differences between cooperative federalism and dual federalism? CHAPTER SUMMARY 3.3Intergovernmental RelationshipsTo accomplish its policy priorities, the federal government often needs to elicit the cooperation of states and local governments, using various strategies. Block and categorical grants provide money to lower government levels to subsidize the cost of implementing policy programs fashioned in part by the federal government. This strategy gives state and local authorities some degree of flexibility and discretion as they coordinate with the federal government. On the other hand, mandate compels state and local governments to abide by federal laws and regulations or face penalties. RECALL KEY TERMSCHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDINGTHINK CRITICALLYWhat does it mean to refer to the carrot of grants and the stick of mandates? CHAPTER SUMMARY 3.4Competitive Federalism TodaySome policy areas have been redefined as a result of changes in the roles that states and the federal government play in them. The constitutional disputes these changes often trigger have had to be sorted out by the Supreme Court. Contemporary federalism has also witnessed interest groups engaging in venue shopping. Aware of the multiple access points to our political system, such groups seek to access the level of government they deem will be most receptive to their policy views. RECALL KEY TERMSCHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDINGTHINK CRITICALLYWhat does venue shopping mean? CHAPTER SUMMARY 3.5Advantages and Disadvantages of FederalismThe benefits of federalism are that it can encourage political participation, give states an incentive to engage in policy innovation, and accommodate diverse viewpoints across the country. The disadvantages are that it can set off a race to the bottom among states, cause cross-state economic and social disparities, and obstruct federal efforts to address national problems. RECALL KEY TERMSCHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDINGTHINK CRITICALLYWhat are the merits and drawbacks of American federalism? Chapter Study OutlineIntroduction One great achievement of the American founding was the creation of an effective constitutional structure of political institutions. Two important aspects of the U.S. Constitution—federalism and the separation of powers—represent, in part, the framers’ efforts to divide governmental power. Federalism limits government by creating two sovereign powers—the national government and state governments—thereby restraining the influence of both. Separation of powers imposes internal limits by dividing government against itself, giving different branches separate functions and forcing them to share power.
What is the relationship between the national government and the states in a unitary system of government?In a unitary state, the national government has total authority over all of the country's other political subdivisions (e.g. states). Unitary states are the opposite of federations, in which governing power is shared by a national government and its subdivisions.
What is the relationship between the national and state governments?All State governments are modeled after the Federal Government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all States uphold a “republican form” of government, although the three-branch structure is not required.
What is a unitary system of government?unitary state, a system of political organization in which most or all of the governing power resides in a centralized government, in contrast to a federal state.
What was the relationship between national and state governments under the Constitution?In the United States, the organizing principle of federalism distributes power between the national government and the state governments, both of whose powers rest on written constitutions and both of which can act directly on individuals.
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What is the relationship between the national government and the states in a unitary system?
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