Constitution (federalism) Flashcards
Explain the theories of federalism
1) Dual Federalism
- Const: state + fed. gov. would do different things = federal = national defence. States = everything else
- But African Americans have looked to federal courts to stop segregation
2) Cooperative Federalism
- During Great Depression, states didn’t have resources to look after their citizens - fed. govt did. FDR’ New Deal
3) Creative Federalism
- Bypassing state govt.
- Johnson launching ‘Great Society’ programme, designed to end poverty - states couldn’t be relied on
4) New Federalism
- Re-empowering states + restoring balance closer to dual federalism:
– Reagan = offered states new arrangements called ‘swaps’, they would take full resp. over some welfare programmes, while fed. take over others. Increased costs to states led them to reject it
– Clinton - economic boom - states had surplus - pioneer new tech - Wisconsin’s ‘education vouchers’
– George W Bush - increased govt. control over national security after 9/11
Explain the advantages of federalism
1) Effective
- Easier to run a large country like US with local officials - diverse - closer to problems - fed. govt. focus on emergencies - more effective
2) Innovation
- Experiment with policies
– California led nation in environmental regulations
3) Leads to political stability
4) Ensures sep. of powers + prevent tyranny - state govt. still function independently - double scrutiny
Explain the disadvantages of federalism
1) Lack of accountability
- Overlap of boundaries tricky to point blame
2) Variation
- Conflict in law - death pen. illegal = 21, legal = 29
- Virginias poll tax ~ Harper
- North Carolina’s bathroom law
3) Interfere in fed govt’s responsiibiility
- Merrick Garland 2021
- Ron DeSantis
- Greg Abbott
4) Party decentralisation
- Southern Rep. diff to a Northern Rep – 2016 Pres nom, Reps in Wyoming chose their national convention delegates through a state party convention, eliminating voter choice
Explain the difference between federal and state power
