Chapter 3 States Communities and American Federalism What Is Federalism Federalism A system of government in which power is divided between national and sub national governments with both exercising separate and autonomous authority both electing their own officials and both taxing their own citizens for the provision of public services It requires that the powers of the national and subnational governments be guaranteed by a constitution that cannot be changed without the consent of both national and subnational populations 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Why Federalism Centralized government was an option with uniform laws rules and regulations and with national majorities controlling a single government 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Benefits of a Decentralized Government Distributes authority more widely among different sets of leaders this also makes the leadership groups more democratic than a single leadership group would be Increases participation in government and the political system and more opportunities for direct citizen involvement in government Creates laboratories of democracy by encouraging policy innovation 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Federalism s Faults May create confusion about which level of government is responsible for action and anger when needed action is delayed Especially move to cooperative federalism Many not known who has the power to do things or whos paying for them Can also obstruct action on national issues Texas only cares about the 2nd and 10th amendments in US const TX can intentionally pass a law that conflicts with US law ex arizona Allowing inequalities Taxes and benefits may be unequal among states Lack of uniformity in laws if unitary state then there will be uniformity no 2 states will be alike If states is a low tax state it creates jobs then people will want to move here for jobs 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Legalization of Marijuana by State Structure of American Federalism Delegated powers and national supremacy Specifically mentioned in the Constitution as belonging to the national government Reserved powers States get powers not delegated nor prohibited Powers denied to the nation and states Generally to safeguard individual rights The national government s obligations to the states Includes territorial integrity and equal representation in the Senate State role in national government Includes holding elections 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Constitutional Distribution of Powers 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Electoral College Votes in the 2012 Election 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved The States Role in Constitutional Amendment 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Variations of Federalism Dual Federalism 1787 1913 1930s Cooperative Federalism 1913 1930s present 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Federalism The Impact of Money Earliest Federal Aid Money Power and the Income Tax Federal Grants in Aid Money with Strings Attached Categorical Grants Block Grants Grantsmanship 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Federal Grants in Aid by Major Function 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Reliance on Federal Aid 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Congress and Devolution Devolution is the passing down of responsibilities from the national government to the states Devolution and welfare reform 1996 reform led to dramatic reduction in welfare caseloads Political obstacles to federalism Tendency to always want to do something for the constituency 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved The Supreme Court and the Revival of Federalism Federalism revived U S v Lopez in 1995 limited interstate commerce clause States shielded from lawsuits Seminole Tribe v Florida in 1996 affected states compliance with federal laws Limits on the commerce power National government limited in its response to noneconomic crimes Federalism s future Unclear given the many 5 4 Supreme Court rulings 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved Interstate Relations and Horizontal Federalism Full faith and credit States must recognize each other s laws Privileges and immunities States can t discriminate against other states citizens Extradition States must return a fugitive from another state Interstate compacts Most can be negotiated by the legislatures of the states involved Conflicts between states Are resolved by the Supreme Court 2014 Pearson Education Inc All rights reserved