EMC Publishing, LLC Federalism = A political system in which
power is divided between national and state governments. In a
federal system, national and state governments are independent yet
interdependent that is, they possess certain unique powers and
share other powers.
Slide 3
Why the United States Has a Federal System EMC Publishing, LLC
The founding fathers created a compromise between a strong state
government and a strong national government. This compromise helped
the founders gain support to ratify the Constitution.
Slide 4
Implied Powers of the National Government EMC Publishing, LLC
Implied powers are powers not listed in the Constitution but
suggested by the expressed powers. The necessary and proper clause
of the Constitution gives the national government the power to make
laws that are necessary and proper for fulfilling congressional
duties, even though not specified by the Constitution.
Slide 5
Nonspecified Presidential Powers EMC Publishing, LLC Inherent
powers are presidential powers that are implied but not stated in
the Constitution. Inherent powers developed as presidents did what
they thought was necessary to fulfill the nations laws. Example:
Thomas Jefferson approved the Louisiana Purchase because he thought
it was for the nations good.
Slide 6
Solving National and State Conflicts EMC Publishing, LLC The
supremacy clause is a constitutional rule saying that national laws
will prevail over state laws when they conflict (U.S. Constitution,
Article VI, Section 2). However, some parts of the Constitution,
including the Bill of Rights, limit the power of the national
government.
Slide 7
State Powers: Allowed or Denied EMC Publishing, LLC Reserved
powers are powers assigned or given to state governments. Example:
The authority to establish public schools Delegated powers are
powers assigned or given to the national government and denied to
the states.
Slide 8
Shared Powers EMC Publishing, LLC Concurrent powers are powers
shared by the national government and the states. Examples: The
power to collect taxes, charter and regulate banks, establish
highways, and pass and enforce laws
Slide 9
National Obligations to the States EMC Publishing, LLC The
Constitution says the national government should: Ensure that every
state has a republican form of government Protect the states
Respect states boundaries Enforce states representation in
Congress
Slide 10
Alternatives to Federalism EMC Publishing, LLC In a unitary
system, the central government has all power. Example: Great
Britain In a confederal system, the local government has all power.
Example: European Union
Slide 11
Federalism EMC Publishing, LLC Original goals of federalism:
Enable the government to take effective action Help maintain
economic stability Regulate disputes among states Preserve state
independence
Slide 12
Effects of Federalism on State Politics EMC Publishing, LLC
States benefit from a national government. States compete against
each other for business. Example: States offer tax breaks to
businesses locating within their borders.
Slide 13
Effects of Federalism on Citizens EMC Publishing, LLC Citizens
have access to officials and the processes of government. Groups of
people who try to influence public policycalled interest groupshave
more power.
Slide 14
Results of the Increased Flexibility under Federalism EMC
Publishing, LLC Advantages Makes it possible to solve problems at
the level where they occur Allows for a variety of state
experiments to provide the best solutions for all Disadvantages
Leads to a harmful absorption of great expenses Causes
inconsistencies from state to state
Slide 15
Balance between National and State Governments EMC Publishing,
LLC The Constitution is vague about the distribution of power
between national and state governments. Supreme Court rulings
directly affect both types of government. Major events, such as the
September 11, 2001, attacks, transform state and national
governments.
Slide 16
Growth of Government EMC Publishing, LLC American government is
growing at all levels: National State Local
Slide 17
Events That Changed Governmental Power EMC Publishing, LLC
Civil War Great Depression / New Deal Civil rights movement
September 11, 2001 attacks
Slide 18
EMC Publishing, LLC Reasons for National Control Social and
economic problems, such as pollution and discrimination, are easier
to solve at the national level. Members of Congress want to control
policies that will affect their own states. Congress can block
states from doing certain things, such as practicing
segregation.
Slide 19
EMC Publishing, LLC Getting States to Cooperate Federal policy
makers experience difficulties enforcing legislation in the
states.
Slide 20
EMC Publishing, LLC How the National Government Influences the
States
Slide 21
EMC Publishing, LLC Moving Power to the States Devolution = The
effort to give more power and responsibility back to the states
Frustration with the size of the national government has led to the
movement called devolution.
Slide 22
EMC Publishing, LLC Moving Power to the States The push for
devolution has come from three sources: The states themselves
Congress The Supreme Court The national government and the states
constantly struggle for power.
Slide 23
EMC Publishing, LLC Devolution and the Bush Administration
Before September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush planned to
strengthen states rights. After September 11, 2001, this plan faded
because of the national governments increased role in protecting
the country.