The main characteristics of US federalism Flashcards
What is the key feature of federalism
Dual sovereignty between federal and state governments
Give an example of how federal and state governments are dominant in different areas
The federal government is in control of defence and the states are in control of law and order
What was the 10th amend designed to protect?
The autonomy of the states
How does the constitutional amendment process aid federalism?
Because any alteration to the power of the states must be approved by 2/3 of the states
List the three broad stages that federalism can be split into
Dual, cooperative and new
When did dual federalism take place
1790s to early 1930s
When did cooperative federalism take place?
Early 1930s to 1960s
When did new federalism take place?
1960s to the 2000s
What does dual federalism involve?
A limited role for the federal government
What does cooperative federalism involve?
The federal and state governments working together
What does new federalism involve?
An attempt to reduce federal power and return autonomy to the states
Describe the state of dual federalism
S and F were co-equal with distinct policy boundaries. The states undertook most governing and the SC supported this. There were clearly defined levels and a clear dispersal of power
Describe the period of cooperative federalism
The federal government grew as a result of the depression, WWII and the Cold War. Instead of there being clear roles like in dual federalism, it was now a pragmatic mix. For instance, the welfare of citizens was previously overseen by S but this shifted to F by the 1960s
Who called for new federalism?
Nixon, his idea was supported by subsequent R presidents and Clinton
Describe the period of new federalism
This is where the powers of the federal government would be rolled back and returned to the states. However, the lines are still blurred, meaning the current system resembles cooperative rather than dual
Make the case that the US constitution still works
- Federalism has been a great compromise between strong national government and state diversity
- The text has proved very adaptable to changes in US society
- The demanding amendment process has prevented ill thought out amendments
- Rights and liberties have been protected
- The SC has been able to use judicial review to make interpretative amendments
Make the case that the constitution no longer works
- The amendment process is too difficult, making it impossible to amend outdated parts or to add parts that the majority desire
- Judicial review gives too much power to unelected SC justices
- Too negative and gives to much power to reactionaries
- Some parts, like the electoral college, make little sense in today’s society
- Some parts, like war making powers, don’t work in the way that the founding father’s invisaged
What do articles I-IV of the constitution collectively do?
Set out the powers of the states and the federal government
What does the 10th amendment do?
Gives all powers not given to the federal government to the people and the states
What forms the executive in the states?
A governor
What forms the legislature in the states?
State congress
What forms the judiciary in the states?
State SC
What does the 10th amendment prevent the federal government from doing?
Acting in ways not allowed by the constitution
Who runs the executive branch in the states?
The democratically elected governor
What is this governor responsible for?
The implementation of state laws and the running of the executive branch
What do most towns and cities also have?
A democratically elected government
What does the federal government do?
Makes laws that apply to all of the states
Explain why federalism is important for the US
- States have different histories, politics and cultures
- States were incorporated into the union at different times - there were originally 13 states which has now expanded to 50
- States rights keeps the individual culture and history of the states alive, and means that they continue to have different characteristics in the present day
