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3: American Federalism

  • Page ID
    284313
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    • 3.0: Introduction
      This page discusses U.S. federalism, which divides powers between state and federal governments as defined in the Constitution. It examines the balance of decentralization and centralization, varying state regulations, and unique federal powers. The chapter focuses on the allocation of responsibilities, mechanisms maintaining this balance, and the implications of federalism on citizens since the late 1700s.
    • 3.1: The Division of Powers
      This page discusses federalism, a system sharing power between national and state governments, characterized by cooperative governance and a constitutional framework. It contrasts federalism with unitary systems, highlighting the U.S. Constitution's role in defining government powers and ensuring personal liberties. Key elements include the supremacy clause, state relations clauses, and evolving revenue sources, primarily relying on property taxes and federal grants.
    • 3.2: The Evolution of American Federalism
      This page outlines the evolution of federalism in the U.S., detailing conflicts between state and national powers through key legal cases and historical events. It describes the transition from dual federalism in the late 19th century to cooperative federalism during the Great Depression, driven by New Deal programs. The emergence of new federalism in the 1970s and '80s sought to decentralize authority, but implementation faced challenges.
    • 3.3: Intergovernmental Relationships
      This page examines the evolution and types of federal intergovernmental grants, including categorical and block grants, highlighting their roles in achieving national goals and funding state projects. It also discusses unfunded mandates, such as the Clean Air Act and Real ID Act, and the limitations of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
    • 3.4: Competitive Federalism Today
      This page discusses competitive federalism in the U.S., addressing immigration and LGBTQ rights, with states increasingly enacting their own laws. It highlights conflicts in immigration policy and marriage equality's evolution due to key Supreme Court cases. Additionally, it covers Mothers Against Drunk Driving's (MADD) strategic shift from state to federal lobbying that resulted in the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
    • 3.5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism
      This page outlines the benefits and drawbacks of federalism. Benefits include fostering policy innovation, enhancing political participation, and accommodating diverse opinions through state-level experimentation.
    • 3.6: Key Terms
      This page defines legal and political concepts pertinent to U.S. governance, such as "bill of attainder," "block grants," and "federalism." It discusses "dual" and "cooperative federalism," along with "unfunded mandates," "devolution," and "immigration federalism," highlighting changes in government roles. The text also explains the "privileges and immunities clause" and "venue shopping," focusing on legal protections and policy strategies.
    • 3.7: Summary
      This page discusses the evolution of federalism in the U.S., highlighting the division of powers between state and federal governments as defined by the Constitution. It outlines the progression from dual federalism to cooperative federalism and the recent shift towards new federalism, emphasizing decentralization. The management of intergovernmental relationships through grants and mandates is noted, along with the role of interest groups in competitive federalism.
    • 3.8: Review Questions
      This page explores federalism in the U.S., highlighting questions about government structure, revenue sources, and the contrast between federal and unitary systems. It covers key topics such as the role of taxes, constitutional authority, landmark Supreme Court cases like McCulloch v. Maryland, and concepts like new federalism and cooperative versus dual federalism.
    • 3.9: Critical Thinking Questions
      This page explores the roles of citizens in different government systems, the historical evolution of political and economic relationships between states and the federal government, and the federal government's impact on state and local actions. It examines the pros and cons of American federalism and discusses future challenges, encouraging debate on potential responses to specific issues.
    • 3.10: Suggestions for Further Study
      This page contains a compilation of academic references on American federalism and governance, exploring its principles, historical development, representation, taxation, and ideological roots. It addresses the complexities of the federal structure and political development in the U.S., as well as comparative analyses of federal systems worldwide. The works highlight the dynamics and challenges of America’s federal democracy.


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