Federalism

Dr. Patrick Scott

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 1 of 14

3 types of governmental systems

Unitary system
Federal system
Confederal system

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 2 of 14

Unitary System
Central Government

States

Citizens

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 3 of 14

Federal System
State or regional
government

Citizens

Central Government

State or regional
government

Citizens

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 4 of 14

Confederal System
State or regional
government

Citizens

Central Government

State or regional
government

Citizens

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 5 of 14

Disadvantages of Federalism:
States and local governments can block important national
policies such as civil rights
Allows the power of local interests to go unchecked
Allows for big variations in how people are treated
States and local governments may lack the necessary
expertise and money to accomplish important goals

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 6 of 14

Advantages of Federalism
Allows for big variations in terms of how
people are treated
States can become laboratories of
democracy
Federalism enhances political participation
Therefore, it can increase political efficacy
Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231
Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 7 of 14

Federalism: The Great Debate

National Standards versus Local Discretion
Examples?

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 8 of 14

Federalism and the Founders

Nation-Centered (Federalist Perspective)

State-Centered (Anti-Federalist Perspective)

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 9 of 14

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The Issues

Significance?

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 10 of 14

The Anti-Federalist Perspective

States Rights & John C. Calhoun
The Doctrine of Nullification
Implications?

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 11 of 14

Evolution of Federalism
Dual Federalism (1865-1933)
Cooperative Federalism (1933-1960)
Role of the Great Depression
FDR and the "New Deal
Escalating perception of poor state performance

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 12 of 14

Fiscal Federalism
Categorical Grants
Block Grants
Example: Community Development Block
Grant

General Revenue Sharing

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231
Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 13 of 14

Other Concepts
Morton Grodzins: Marble cake versus layer
cake theory

Unfunded Mandates

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/courses/polsc231

Dr. Patrick Scott
Used by permission.

Saylor.org
Page 14 of 14