Question

what is federalism
power is divided between ____ and ____ governments
u.s. constitution created a ______ system
contrast with ______ (e.g., uk) and confederate systems
designed to prevent ______

powers divided
______ powers: national gov’t powers (coin money, declare war)
______ powers: states’ powers (education, elections)
______ powers: shared (taxing, policing)
______ clause: federal law > state law

evolution of federalism
______ federalism (1789-1930s): separate spheres (layer cake)
______ federalism (1930s-1960s): shared goals, new deal (marble cake)
______ federalism (1970s-2000s): return power to states (reagan era)

current issues in federalism

• marijuana ______
• gun ______
• immigration ______
• climate ______
• abortion access post-roe v. wade

pros of federalism

1. promotes policy ______
2. allows ______ solutions
3. distributes ______
4. increases citizen ______

conflicts of federalism

1. ______ among states
2. confusing ______
3. conflicts between ______ and state laws

Explanation:

What is Federalism

• Power is divided between national (federal) and state governments
• U.S. Constitution created a federal system
• Contrast with unitary (e.g., UK) and confederate systems
• Designed to prevent tyranny

Powers Divided

• Enumerated powers: National gov’t powers (coin money, declare war)
• Reserved powers: States’ powers (education, elections)
• Concurrent powers: Shared (taxing, policing)
• Supremacy Clause: Federal law > state law

Evolution of Federalism

• Dual federalism (1789–1930s): Separate spheres (layer cake)
• Cooperative federalism (1930s–1960s): Shared goals, New Deal (marble cake)
• New federalism (1970s–2000s): Return power to states (Reagan era)

Current Issues in Federalism

• Marijuana legalization (state vs. federal)
• Gun control (state vs. federal regulations)
• Immigration policy (federal vs. state roles)
• Climate action (state initiatives vs. federal inaction)
• Abortion access post - Roe v. Wade (state - level restrictions vs. potential federal legislation)

Pros of Federalism

1. Promotes policy experimentation
2. Allows tailored solutions
3. Distributes power (prevents concentration)
4. Increases citizen participation (more levels of government to engage with)

Conflicts of Federalism

1. Inequality among states (e.g., funding, policy differences)
2. Confusing jurisdiction (who has authority over what)
3. Conflicts between federal and state laws (e.g., marijuana, immigration)

Answer:

What is Federalism

• Power is divided between national (federal) and state governments
• U.S. Constitution created a federal system
• Contrast with unitary (e.g., UK) and confederate systems
• Designed to prevent tyranny

Powers Divided

• Enumerated powers: National gov’t powers (coin money, declare war)
• Reserved powers: States’ powers (education, elections)
• Concurrent powers: Shared (taxing, policing)
• Supremacy Clause: Federal law > state law

Evolution of Federalism

• Dual federalism (1789–1930s): Separate spheres (layer cake)
• Cooperative federalism (1930s–1960s): Shared goals, New Deal (marble cake)
• New federalism (1970s–2000s): Return power to states (Reagan era)

Current Issues in Federalism

• Marijuana legalization (state vs. federal)
• Gun control (state vs. federal regulations)
• Immigration policy (federal vs. state roles)
• Climate action (state initiatives vs. federal inaction)
• Abortion access post - Roe v. Wade (state - level restrictions vs. potential federal legislation)

Pros of Federalism

1. Promotes policy experimentation
2. Allows tailored solutions
3. Distributes power (prevents concentration)
4. Increases citizen participation (more levels of government to engage with)

Conflicts of Federalism

1. Inequality among states (e.g., funding, policy differences)
2. Confusing jurisdiction (who has authority over what)
3. Conflicts between federal and state laws (e.g., marijuana, immigration)