...What is Federalism? Jennifer Siminski Professor El-Yacoubi POL 110 5 November 2013 In the beginning federalism was brought up by the framers. They wanted it to be a way of organizing the nation so that two or more ways of government can have a type of authority over the same people. The power is shared between the units of government. Federalism has held much tension over who should control policies, individual states or national government as a whole. To the framers, federalism was important in the design of the constitution. Federalism would foster custom-made laws that would fit the special needs of particular communities; they would do this by ensuring that all the activities of the public life would directly affect the people taking place within the states and their local governments. Also the people of the states would remain involved in the process of making laws at the local and state levels. They thought that if they kept the government close to the people, they would be more comfortable with it. One change that Hickok pointed out is that “Today the national government dominates the American political system.” (Hickok 1991) Another change that federalism has gone through is that the states and the national government’s relationship has actually changed because of the clashing of political interests, rather than changing by the political principles that are contained within the constitution. Another change that federalism has gone through is that...
Words: 1171 - Pages: 5
...What is Federalism? Diana Reed POL110103 Professor Julie Waldon May 17, 2015 There are several systems of governments in the world today. Examples include Federalism, Monarchy and Democratic. Federalism is a form of command where two or more governments share authority over the same territory. In this system, the autonomy to carry out any state directive is given to State governments. In addition, there are other functions, which have to be made in relation to the regulations of the reigning regime. The constitution stipulates all the services done by central government and the roles conducted by the state government. The state authority had the mandate of controlling roads, sanitation and education duties. The Central government, on the other hand, contains its power, which includes standard defence and the supremacy clause. Federalism has undergone changes and its part of the American history. The role of national and state governments has also evolved over time. Furthermore, the federal government has been given more mandates in the 21th century. Dual federalism emerged after the Americans got their independence from British rule at the end of World War 2. The Constitution was created, and it provided for two types of government in the United States. The national government had powers to handle issues related to national security, foreign policy, and promoting commerce. State government, on the other hand, dealt with...
Words: 1005 - Pages: 5
...Assignment 1: What Is Federalism? What is federalism? Federalism is a political system where all levels government including state and national government make final decisions on at least some governmental activities. The concept of federalism is a principle the United States has been built on since the beginning of time and has also evolved with time. The beginning the style of government started off as what is called dual federalism. This version of federalism was used and implemented after the civil war, the deemed that the national government was supreme in its sphere and the states were equally supreme in theirs and these spheres should be kept separate. This Federalism style was popular from the 1790s to about 1930. As time change so does the federalism type cooperative federalism was most popular from the 1930s to 1960. In the style the federal government and state government shared functions and collaborated on major national priorities, this was during the time of the Great Depression and different style of ferderalsim was birth to create cohesiveness between the national and state governments to help the country proper. Creative federalism, also known as "picket fence federalism," became popular during the period of 1960 to 1980. This relationship was characterized by overloaded cooperation and crosscutting regulations. During this time the federal government provided aid to the states using grants, categorical grants, to block grants to revenue sharing. A categorical...
Words: 785 - Pages: 4
...Assignment 1: What is Federalism? Student: Danny Franco Professor: Tracy Herman POL 110 August 8, 2014 Bose, Dilulio, and Wilson (2013), state that in America, political authority falls under both national and state governments. This division of political authority between the two entities is called federalism. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention were in agreement that some degree of federalism was necessary; however, the amount of federalism that was to be written into the Constitution was rather controversial. After the constitutional Convention, two views of federalism arose. One view of a strong federal government was advocated for by Alexander Hamilton. He believed the national government powers should be largely defined and applied liberally. Thomas Jefferson led the charge on the opposing view. He argued that the federal government existed as an agreement between the states and that the national government should be narrowly defined and limited. These opposing views have been a constant source of political debate in this country (Bose, Dilulio, and Wilson, 2013). One example of how federalism has evolved from its origins to the American political system in place today can be traced to the state’s rights debates of the early to mid-19th century. The southern states were in favor of a decentralized federal government with the bulk of power belonging to the states. The northern states favored a more centralized government with the power residing at the...
Words: 1075 - Pages: 5
...of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] | What is federalism? The federal principle or system of government. A question that many American individuals are asked and don’t have a general understanding of what it may mean. I think federalism is a great government Institution It makes difference in the state government agency. it's also self-sufficient government to every state In the United states, people choose every elected Official Government for equal Opportunity most of the society In the world are federalism it's very Important to distribute the wealth to the state and the local community, and much more. Since its inception more than 200 years ago, American federalism has undergone tremendous change. Today, all governments -- federal, state and local -- play a greater role in the lives of their citizens, expectations about what kind of services and rights people want from government have changed, and relations among the federal, state and local governments have become infinitely more complex. In this brief essay, Ellis Katz, professor of political science and a fellow of the Center for the Study of Federalism at Temple University, explores the origins and development of American federalism, its contemporary practice and problems, and the forces that seem to be moving it in new directions. How does federalism play a part today? Many local towns and villages are dissolving or consolidating. In doing so they are...
Words: 1015 - Pages: 5
...| What is Federalism? | | | | | | Federalism Federalism is a term that is timeworn, but is quite important in American history due to its lineage and how it affects government-both Federal and State. American Federalism is not a static set of arrangements, frozen in time by the United States Constitution but a dynamic, ever-changing, multi-dimensional process that has economic, administrative and political aspects as well as constitutional ones (Katz, 1997). So, what is Federalism? Federalism is a system that power is distributed between the Federal Government and the States. Years ago, many new Americans were scared because they feared that the new government might turn out to be another form of a monarchy. Also, the small states were quite scared that the larger states would overrule them in this new form of government (Wilson, Dilulio, Bose, 2014). So, when the Constitution was approved, certain provisions were added to the Constitution to ensure a balance between the larger states and the smaller ones (American Government, Wilson, Dilulio, Bose, 2014). As stated earlier, the power between the Federal Government and the State Government is shared. Much of the power the Federal Government has stems directly from the Constitution. The Constitution tells the states pretty much what they can do as well. An example of what the Federal Government can do is the ability to print and coin money, as well as the...
Words: 3500 - Pages: 14
...FEDERALISM | | Introduction Federalism has consistently revolved since 1789. The national and state government has shared different points of disagreement. The evolution of federalism is divided into the categories of dual, civil war, industrialization, cooperative and the current federalism. The essay will further cover the factors led to evolution and discuss how states and U.S federal government influenced the American politics. Furthermore, federalism is deemed as the power concentration on several individual states. Most of the clauses of federal government of U.S have been laid down in Tenth Amendment of 1791. Evolution and Factors involved in Federalism Federalism has consistently debated throughout the period starting from1789. The national and state government has shared different points of disagreement, but time empowered national government. Dual Federalism (1789-1946) occurred during the World War II. This era marked with two separate rules of state and the national government. The national government stressed on the defense dynamics of the politics where as states dealt with economic growth. Hence, national and state dealt matters distinctively (Romano, 2010). The Civil War (1862-1868) occurred, where by many felt that state should anticipate to dissolve the disputes. The other decisions include the issue of slavery; whether is legal or not. The states felt that the separate state government had the authority over federal government...
Words: 823 - Pages: 4
...What is federalism-the idea of a federal organization of more or less self-governing units Rational choice theory, also known as rational action theory, is a framework for understanding and often formally modeling social and economic behavior. It is the dominant theoretical paradigm in microeconomics. It is also central to modern political science and is used by scholars in other disciplines such as sociology and philosophy A positive statement is a statement about what is and that contains no indication of approval or disapproval. Notice that a positive statement can be wrong. "The moon is made of green cheese" is incorrect, but it is a positive statement because it is a statement about what exists A normative statement expresses a judgment about whether a situation is desirable or undesirable. "The world would be a better place if the moon were made of green cheese" is a normative statement because it expresses a judgment about what ought to be. Notice that there is no way of disproving this statement. If you disagree with it, you have no sure way of convincing someone who believes the statement that he is wrong A Federal mandate is a requirement set by the Federal government. It usually is in the form of a new Federal Law. In some cases the Federal government doesn't have the authority to do something, so they will find a way to change something else. Drinking age is defined by the states, but the Federal Governmet passd a law that they wouldn't provide highway funds...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...In the early days of the new American nation, just as in the modern world, political factions split the country in two with ideology. On one side were the federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, and on the other were the democratic, or Jeffersonian, republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Federalists generally believed in a powerful, centralized national government, while the democratic republicans believe in states’ rights, and a weak federal government to prevent despotism. Alexander Hamilton mainly argued that federalism worked practically in the world because of the nature of people. He claimed that government should have the power to enforce the laws it passes when they are resisted, and only a strong federal...
Words: 1628 - Pages: 7
...To what extent can Spain be called federal when compared with German federalism? This paper will serve to answer the question in the subject. It is important to bear in mind that this question will be answered via a comparison. Because of this comparison a certain structure is maintained during this paper. It will discuss the key points of the German political form first, where after the key points of Spain will be discussed. These two forms will be compared to each other, to expose to what extend Spain is a federal State. For the purpose of this paper, federalism entails that there needs to b e a form of political integration whereby the states, transfer sovereign powers to the federation. The federation then would control the actions from the states from a central government. Key-marks of federalism will be broad competence for the states, limited competences for the central government and entrenchment of divided power in the constitution. For this paper the distinction between co-ordinate federalism and co-operative federalism is made. In co-ordinate federalism each state is separate, has its own exclusive competences, its own administration, its own taxes and a minimal need for co-operation. Co-operative federalism on the other hand entails more collaboration between the states and the central government. Competences between states are mostly shared, the central government legislated and the states are to implement this legislation in most fields, the states are however...
Words: 2297 - Pages: 10
...What is a federal form of government? What image do you have of when you think of federalism? \Do you think of the federal level of government? State government? Local governments? All three? Layer Cake, Marble Cake....21st Century View: Intergovernmental Relations Do democratic governments need to be organized as federal systems? Great Britain has a Unitary form of government How does this differ from the U.S.? Powerful central government with federal or central government mandates (laws) that are implemented (put into place) throughout the whole country= Unitary govt. Examples: National Health Policy throughout the whole country so that you can go from city to city in Great Britain and use your health card at any hospital. (Portability of health insurance in U.S.: can get care anywhere in our country) Current American example of an issue that is being discussed as a national issue: elections Should we have Congress pass federal rules for identification, times polls are open, voting ahead of time, etc.? Do you personally tend to look to the federal government to solve problems in the U.S. ? (synonyms for federal govt.: national govt. and central govt) OR Do you tend to focus on your state government or on your city or county (local) government? We do not have good political theories of when federal minimum national standards are appropriate...
Words: 1421 - Pages: 6
...How has federalism evolved? Federalism is defined as state and federal governments sharing power meaning that the exercise of power is by at least two levels of government within the same country. In the case of the United States of America, power is shared between the national government and the subsidiary government. Federalism has been constantly changing especially through the twentieth century until the present day with power shifting between state and the national government. Such free-flowing shifts of power is often critically debated as some states may resist national policy that does not affect their citizens favourably. For example, people living in mountainous and extremely rural areas often blame the federal government for their economic woes as national economic policy is not flexible enough to cater for the great diversity across the country and so would prefer for more power to lie with the state. The argument against more state power however is the case of ensuring civil rights for all, as in the 1960s the national government introduced civil rights for blacks which was heavily resisted by the Southern states. A positive feature of federalism is that constant shifts allows more pragmatic policy making. If proposers of a policy feel it will not be accepted at state level it will be decided at a national level and similarly the opposers of a policy may prefer using state veto to prevent it being passed. This explains why throughout the twentieth century, federalism...
Words: 1546 - Pages: 7
...LL.B.(HONS.) COURSE ARTICLE SUBMISSION A Critical Analysis of Evolution of Cooperative Federalism and Obstacles Ahead for Its Development For the academic year 2014-15 Prepared & Submitted by: Submitted To : Bharat Singh (12BAL112) Ms. Alinkrita Tripathi Acknowledgment This study is the culmination of the efforts of a number of individuals and organizations. I gratefully acknowledge the support and inspiration of which helped me to accomplish this project. I gratefully acknowledge all the sources from which this report has been enriched. Though I have taken all efforts to make the report flawless, I take responsibility for any mistake appearing inadvertently. DECLARATION I hereby declare that the project work entitled “A Critical Analysis of Evolution of Cooperative Federalism and Obstacles Ahead for Its Development” submitted to the Institute of Law Nirma University, is a record of an original work done by me under the guidance of Ms. Alinkrita Tripathi who is the Assistant Professor in ILNU. The results embodied in this thesis have not been submitted to any other University or Institute for the any award or degree. A Critical Analysis of Evolution of Cooperative Federalism and Obstacles Ahead for Its Development India is the largest democracy which is reason of pride for every Indian. Democracy always reflects view of majority, so now question arises what about those people who are in minority or culturally diverse but still they are part of this...
Words: 2742 - Pages: 11
...FEDERALISM, THE FIRST 215 YEARS 1 The Evolution of Federalism and How it has Shaped American Behavior as well as how State and Federal Relationships Influence our Policies Steven M Professor Tracy POL110040VA016-1154-01 (US Government) May 9th, 2015 FEDERALISM, THE FIRST 215 YEARS 2 Abstract This paper will examine the evolution of Federalism from its’ beginnings to what we see in place today. Before we get to far though, let’s define Federalism. Longley (n.d.) stipulates that “Federalism is the process by which two or more governments share powers over the same geographic area.” For us in the states, this would be representative of the powers held by the Federal and State governments. We will also examine factors of Federalism that have shaped American behavior as well as covering how the relationships between the Federal Government and the states influences the foundation of American policies. FEDERALISM, THE FIRST 215 YEARS 3 The Evolution of Federalism and how it has Shaped American Behavior as well as how State and Federal Relationships Influence our...
Words: 1683 - Pages: 7
...ASSESSMENT ON NIGERIAN FEDERALISM: PATH TO A TRUE FEDERAL SYSTEM BY: IRABOR PETER ODION 07037830536 p24real2000@yahoo.com DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES, FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) POTISKUM, YOBE STATE BEING A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ACADEMICS STAFF UNION (COEASU) FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) POTISKUM CHAPTER HELD AT I.B.B HALL F.C.E (T) POTISKUM, YOBE STATE 31ST OCTOBER, 2011-4TH NOVEMBER 2011 ABSTRACT It is no gain saying that Nigeria is one of those countries that operates a federal system of government along side with the western world. Given the territorially delineated cleavages abounding in Nigeria and the historical legacy of division among ethnic groups, regions, and sections, the federal imperative was so fundamental that even the military government- characteristically Unitarian, hierarchical, and centralist- attached importance to the continuation of a federal system of government. But it must be said here that, while the system benefit most western countries, the reverse is the case for Nigeria considering the high level of political instability, ethnic crisis, and ethno/religious crisis among others The reason is not far fetch; Nigeria is operating a federal system in an awkward manner and this has make frictions and clashes possible which are currently posing a threat to her political development. To this end, this paper seeks to analyze Nigerian federalism from history, reasons...
Words: 6625 - Pages: 27
