Federalism Flashcards
unitary systems
when a central government has essentially all important powers
federalism
when power is constitutionally divided between and national government and subnational or local governmetns
why federalism?
the large geographical size of a country
the necessity to pass the constitution
advantages
local governments can handle local problems
protects individual rights
fosters experimentation and innovation
disadvantages
law enforcement and justice are uneven
state governments may resist national policies
view that the constitution was written by representative of the people and ratified by the people
nation- centered federalism
this was the basis of lincoln’s argument to justify war to prevent succession in 1861. Basis of this argument is
supremacy clause
view that our constitutional system should give precedence to state sovreignty over that of the national government
state-centered federalism
this was the extreme basis for the southern justification for succession in 1861. the basis of this argument is the
10th amendment
powers of the national government
enumerated, implied, and inherent powers
federal government has 3 constitutional obligations
- republican form of government
- protect from invasion and internal disorder
- respect for territorial integrity
powers of state governments
10th amendment
in the united states most police power is reserved to the states
police power
concurrent powers
powers shared by the federal and state governments
examples
power to tax
power to borrow funds
establish courts and
to charter banks and corporations