The Main Characteristics of federalism Flashcards
how does the federal system work?
State power protected by the constitution: Amendments require 2/3 majority from all states.
Equal state autonomy: States can set their own tax rates and electoral rules, ensuring uniform decision-making authority across all.
Constitutional intent: Initially, the federal government’s scope was limited to foreign policy and currency, but its authority has expanded over time.
How has Federal government power grown overtime
Expansion of federal power since the 1929 economic crash and the introduction of Roosevelt’s New Deal Resulted in increased sharing of responsibilities with state governments.
Utilization of federal grants to incentivize state cooperation in pursuing specific policy objectives, as seen in Obama’s ‘Race to the Top’ education initiative in 2009.
Federal mandates to compel state compliance, sometimes challenged successfully by states (e.g., Shelby v. Holder 2013, Voting Rights Act, North Carolina transgender bathrooms issue).
How and does legislation differ?
- each state sets its own laws and each state has its own constitution
- for example maharajana is legal in states like New York and California (notably more progressive)
- in20222 the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. wade and abortion became a state matter
How does the organization of political parties in the United States differ from that in the United Kingdom?
- Parties in America are not bound by centralised structures, one leader and a common policy platform or manifesto as they are in the UK.
what is the consequence of political parties in the Federal system?
- eCH PARTY HAS STATE BRANCHES, BUT MAINLY JUST FOR FUNDRAISING ETC
- it is up to every candidate to decide their own policy positions. A Republican from a northern liberal state like Vermont for instance, might have a very different political outlook than his party colleague from Mississippi.
WHAT IS THE ELECTORAL CONSEQUENCES ON STATES FROM THE FEDERAL SYSTEM?
No national system for elections, all state-based, even presidential elections.
Complex rules for candidate selection, ballot paper inclusion, and voting procedures.
In certain states, a criminal record can result in the loss of voting rights, e.g., Florida.
Variations in voting methods, from e-voting experiments to entirely postal voting in states like Montana.
what are the regional consequences on states form the Federal system?
Federal grants to states differ based on population and size.
Tax structures vary among states and even cities.
Profound regional differences in the US, exemplified by the vast contrast between states like Hawaii and Alaska, highlight the necessity of a federal system over a uniform “one size fits all” approach.
