3: American Federalism
- Page ID
- 23439
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 3.1: Module Introduction
- This page examines American federalism, focusing on its constitutional basis, the division of powers, and the historical context of governance debates. Key aspects include the Tenth Amendment's role in delineating state and national powers, along with significant events like the Civil War and New Deal that influenced its development. Students will explore federalism's origins, its importance in democracy, and engage with a variety of readings and assignments to deepen their understanding.
- 3.2: Lecture Content
- This page discusses American federalism through three constitutional clauses: the Supremacy Clause, the Commerce Clause, and the Tenth Amendment. It emphasizes the Supremacy Clause as the highest law affecting issues like marijuana legality, the Commerce Clause's role in regulating interstate commerce and key cases like the ACA, and the Tenth Amendment’s intent to reserve powers to states.
- 3.3: Reading- Federalism As a Structure for Power
- This page analyzes the U.S. Constitution's delineation of powers among national and state governments, highlighting exclusive, concurrent, and reserved powers while emphasizing states' rights under the Tenth Amendment. It discusses the complexity of governance through numerous local entities and unique status of Native American tribes, showing their increasing autonomy amid federal oversight.
- 3.4: Reading- The Powers of National Government
- This page discusses the U.S. Constitution's power-sharing arrangements among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, highlighting federalism and the distribution of powers between federal and state governments. It addresses the growth of federal powers since the Civil War and the ongoing tension with states' rights advocates. Furthermore, it outlines Congress's bicameral structure and the lifetime tenure of federal judges.
- 3.5: Reading- The Meanings of Federalism
- This page outlines the evolution of federalism in the U.S., emphasizing the transition from states' rights to a cooperative framework, influenced by historical events like the Civil War and major Supreme Court rulings. It details the gradual increase in national authority from the 1780s to the Great Depression, leading to cooperative federalism during the New Deal and competitive federalism in the 1960s, which prompted tensions and federal mandates.
- 3.6: Reading- Why Federalism Works (More or Less)
- This page examines U.S. federalism through the lens of national, state, and local government interactions, particularly during Hurricane Katrina. It highlights the inefficiencies in disaster response and contrasts media portrayals with local viewpoints. The text illustrates how both political parties adapt their federalism stances based on political objectives, using examples like same-sex marriage and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
- 3.7: Putting It Together
- This page discusses U.S. federalism, illustrating the evolving distribution of powers among national, state, and local governments. Initially distinct, this division has become complex due to increased national authority in response to industrialization and civil rights. Political debates reveal tensions, with Republicans advocating for state power and Democrats for a stronger federal role, though perspectives vary by issue, emphasizing the challenges of modern governance.
- 3.8: Module 3 Assessments
- This page outlines an assignment that analyzes American politics through the lens of oligarchy, comparing it with the government structures of China, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. Students will assess citizen engagement and the alignment of the U.S. with elitist or pluralist theories. The assignment involves collaborative projects, essays on the U.S. Constitution, and evaluations of legislative processes, all requiring adherence to specific guidelines and academic citations.
- 3.9: Video- The Affordable Care Act Challenges – the Individual Mandate and the Commerce Clause
- This page discusses the legal challenges facing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), particularly the individual mandate that requires individuals to purchase health insurance. The mandate's constitutionality is questioned, especially regarding its alignment with the Commerce Clause and federal authority. Critics argue it exceeds congressional power, affecting the ACA's implementation and effectiveness in healthcare reform.