federalism

Question 1

Different systems gov’t

Answer 1

o Unitary = 1 sovereign gov’t which decides on local gov’t
o Confederal = sovereignty in states/local gov’t
o Federal = dual sovereignty between central + local gov’t

Question 2

Evolution of federalism

Answer 2

o Confederalism was unattainable in 18th C
o Federalism as a compromise
 Guarantees constitutional integrity to state gov’ts
o Federal gov’t had little dealing in peoples day to day life

Question 3

gov’t now

Answer 3

• NOW federal gov’t + state gov’t VERY involved
• After 1930’s (depression, new deal) fed’ gov’t exerted more power

Question 4

changing federal role

Answer 4

• nationalisation of economy + mass based parties led to elections of presidents with national appeal
• increased need for central gov’t
• demands for minimum standards required mass based parties
• federal gov’t seen as provider for redistributive + developmental policies

Question 5

Reagan

Answer 5

promising return to federalism
 Budget cuts: 1981 budget reconciliation act
 Welfare handled by states while Medicaid handled y fed’ gov’t
 Near complete devolution of programmes to states – dropped after major opposition

Question 6

bush

Answer 6

similar to Reagan
 Commitment to federalism
 Looked more fiscal with increases in gov’t aid
 After Miami hurricane + LA riots, gov’t expected to provide more aid
* Election of republican congress reduced many ^^ - cuts to welfare