Political Science

In Derthick, Martha’s “Up-to-Date in Kansas City,” the question of “what

difference American federalism makes” is brought up. American federalism means that the

government is divided into national one and sub-national ones. States are protected under

the government of the United States through written constitutions.

Federalism plays an important role on jurisdictions. What would be the

consequence of having so many jurisdictions? Each individual and subdivided apartment

will control each other. Simultaneously, each will be controlled by itself. Therefore, the

double security is created to the rights of people. The federal system is that it checks the

abusing of government power.

However, Madison has a different point of view about Federalism. He brings the

term “consolidation” up and argues against states into on government. He says that

consolidation would increase the power of the president and make it hard for people to

maintain control over the legislature. Derthick opposes Madison’s opinion. He argues that

the president’s power can be limited, just like what it did to enlarge those of the federal

judiciary. The Fourteenth Amendment also derives from the Federalism. Without the

Fourteenth Amendment, the judiciary would have a much narrower ambit.

The federal government prevents the abused of power by creating a “Checking and

Balancing” system. The interdependence among government always constantly grows.