Federalism Flashcards
What was the position of states when the constitution of states when the constitution was written?
Self-governing and relatively happy that way.
What is the compromise between need a stronger union but states wanting to retain a lot of power known as?
Federalism
Define Federalism
Political power is divided between a national government and state governments each having their own area of jurisdiction.
How is federalism suitable for the USA?
The country is large and diverse and so a degree decentralisation is required yet a national unity is vital to keep it together.
Why was federalism especially apt at the time?
High levels of British hostility to US independence
Why was sticking together a matter of safety?
The declaration of independence was a treasonable act from the British, so the states sticking together helped to ensure their safety
What is the US motto that relates to federalism?
E pluribus unum - Out of many, one
In the constitution why is there only mention of what the federal government will now be able to do
Because the states already had significant powers
What are powers that both state and federal government carry out known as?
Concurrent powers
Give an example of an implied federal power
Congress’s power ‘to make all necessary and proper for carrying out the foregoing powers’
What does the 10th amendment make clear?
“remaining powers” are reserved for the states themselves
What does the solid nature of the constitution mean?
Staes would be confident that federal government wouldn’t be able to take their powers from them soon after being formed.
What is anything not specifically mentioned in the constitution?
The reserve of the states
Under whose jurisdiction does national defence fall under?
Federal
Under whose jurisdiction does taxation fall under?
Both federal and state
Under whose jurisdiction does Criminal and Civil law fall under?
Both but mostly state
Under whose jurisdiction does Currency regulation fall under?
federal
Under whose jurisdiction does Internal security all under?
federal
Under whose jurisdiction does transport fall under?
Both state and federal
Under whose jurisdiction does control over local and city governments fall under?
only state
Under whose jurisdiction does regulation of the media and commerce fall under?
both state and federal
Under whose jurisdiction does regulating international and inter state trade fall under?
federal
Under whose jurisdiction does foreign relations and negotiations fall under?
federal
When was the dual phase?
1787-1929
When was the co-operative phase?
1929-64
When was the creative phase?
1964-69
When was the New Phase?
1969-2016
What was the US situation under the dual phase?
Goes from just 13 states to emerging superpower post ww1. Consumer and economic boom across 1920s.
During the Dual phase who has most of the power?
States
During the co-operative phase who has most of the power?
Federal government takes power
During the creative phase who has most of the power?
Federal government grows further
Under the co-opertaive phase what was the state of the USA?
Economic and social depression
Under the creative phase what was the state of the USA?
America was still suffering from depression with very high poverty levels, although growth was starting
Under the creative phase who was the president?
LBJ
Under the co-operative phase who was the president?
FDR
What did Bush oversee?
The biggest increase in federal spending since LBJ’s Great Soc
What four reasons meant that Bush oversaw huge increase in federal overspending?
1) No child left behind
2) Medicare
3) 9/11
4) 2007 crash
What was No child left behind?
Huge program of testing for schools
What was Medicare?
Free prescriptions for the elderly
Why did 9/11 lead to an increase in federal spending?
Lead to the creation of the department of homeland security and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Why did the Crash in 2007 lead to an increase in Federal spending?
Huge economic stimulus package
What has Obama overseen a rise in?
Spending, although at a slower rate than Bush and with more money going through states
What did Clinton oversee?
Budget surplus
Under Obama how much money was given to states as part of the economic stimulus?
$246 billion
What put a lot of power over health spending back into the hands of Washington?
Obamacare
What phase did LBJ preside over?
Creative federalism
What two things did LBj do?
2x civil rights acts and launched the Great Society
What was LBJ’s spending?
Largest since the new deal
