Research Paper On American Federalism
American Federalism
Strayer University
Donald Shaver, PhD
POL 110 – U.S. Government
Abstract
This dissertation is to identify information regarding American Federalism, where we will define what is Federalism? The purpose of this paper will provide instance of how Federalism has evolved from its origins to the American political system in place today. It will explore factors that have allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political behavior. Finally, it will illustrate how the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal government influences the creation of American policies overall.
History of Federalism
The Founders were very mindful of the risks of a dictatorial government. They …show more content…
In the twentieth century, the role of the national government expanded dramatically, and it continues to expand in the twenty-first century. Under the New Federalism during the time frame of 1969 to present, political leaders and scholars of the New Federalism school have argued that the national government has grown too powerful and that power should be given back to the states. The national government remains extremely important, state governments have regained some power. Richard Nixon began supporting New Federalism during his presidency (1969–1974), and every president since Nixon has continued to support the return of some powers to state and local governments. Although political leaders disagree on the details, most support the general principle of giving power to the states. For instance, the 1996 welfare reforms gave states the ability to spend federal dollars as they saw fit. Supporters claim that local and state governments can be more effective because they understand the circumstances of the issue in their state. They argue that a one-size-fits-all program imposed by Washington cannot function as effectively. Another instance Americans often want a single seat of power for some tasks. Competing local and state governments can cause more problems than they solve, especially during …show more content…
Lopez 1995, in which the Court ruled that Congress had overstepped its authority in creating gun-free school zones. More controversially, in 2000, the Court struck down parts of the Violence against Women Act 1994, for much the same reason as in the United States v. Morrison. In other cases, the court has ruled that state governments cannot be sued for violating rights established by federal law. Overall, the Supreme Court in the 1990s reduced the power of the federal government in important ways, particularly in relation to the commerce clause (SparkNotes Editors,
Strayer University
Donald Shaver, PhD
POL 110 – U.S. Government
Abstract
This dissertation is to identify information regarding American Federalism, where we will define what is Federalism? The purpose of this paper will provide instance of how Federalism has evolved from its origins to the American political system in place today. It will explore factors that have allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political behavior. Finally, it will illustrate how the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal government influences the creation of American policies overall.
History of Federalism
The Founders were very mindful of the risks of a dictatorial government. They …show more content…
In the twentieth century, the role of the national government expanded dramatically, and it continues to expand in the twenty-first century. Under the New Federalism during the time frame of 1969 to present, political leaders and scholars of the New Federalism school have argued that the national government has grown too powerful and that power should be given back to the states. The national government remains extremely important, state governments have regained some power. Richard Nixon began supporting New Federalism during his presidency (1969–1974), and every president since Nixon has continued to support the return of some powers to state and local governments. Although political leaders disagree on the details, most support the general principle of giving power to the states. For instance, the 1996 welfare reforms gave states the ability to spend federal dollars as they saw fit. Supporters claim that local and state governments can be more effective because they understand the circumstances of the issue in their state. They argue that a one-size-fits-all program imposed by Washington cannot function as effectively. Another instance Americans often want a single seat of power for some tasks. Competing local and state governments can cause more problems than they solve, especially during …show more content…
Lopez 1995, in which the Court ruled that Congress had overstepped its authority in creating gun-free school zones. More controversially, in 2000, the Court struck down parts of the Violence against Women Act 1994, for much the same reason as in the United States v. Morrison. In other cases, the court has ruled that state governments cannot be sued for violating rights established by federal law. Overall, the Supreme Court in the 1990s reduced the power of the federal government in important ways, particularly in relation to the commerce clause (SparkNotes Editors,