Federalism Advantages and Disadvantages
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Questions and Answers

What major legislation did President Obama advocate for to improve health insurance accessibility?

  • Affordable Care Act (correct)
  • Civil Rights Act
  • Health Insurance Reform Act
  • Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court upheld the independent state legislature theory in 2023.

False (B)

What action did Georgia take in 2021 regarding voting regulations?

Georgia passed a law making voter ID requirements stricter and limited options to vote outside of Election Day.

In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the _______.

<p>Voting Rights Act of 1965</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cases or laws with their descriptions:

<p>Affordable Care Act = Health insurance accessibility Voting Rights Act of 1965 = Protection against racial discrimination in voting Moore v. Harper = Judicial review of state election laws Alabama Voting Maps Case = Challenge to dilution of Black voters' rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of federalism related to policy goals?

<p>It allows failure at one level to be compensated by success at another. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most political careers in the U.S. begin at the national level.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many total elected offices are there at the federal, state, and local levels in the U.S.?

<p>510,682</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elected representatives in municipal and township governments account for a little more than half of all elected __________ in the United States.

<p>officials</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following government bodies with their respective number of elected officials:

<p>Federal Government = 1 U.S. Senate = 100 Executive Branch = 2 Total elected offices at all levels = 510,682</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of federalism, as discussed in the text?

<p>It helps ensure the longevity of political parties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text argues that states cannot experiment with new policies without risking national consequences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text refer to as a 'laboratory' in the context of policy innovation?

<p>States</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text cites ______ as an example of a state that has led the way in establishing environmental standards.

<p>California</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Policy innovation = The ability of states to experiment with new policies Political participation = Citizens engaging in the political process at various levels Diversity of opinion = Federalism allows for different regions to have different values and preferences</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these examples is NOT mentioned in the text as an area where states have served as models for other states?

<p>Criminal justice reform (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that federalism has been successful in eliminating all instances of conflict between state and national governments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did state policies influence the development of national policies?

<p>They served as inspirations for national policies, such as child labor laws and women's suffrage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government has the most elected officials?

<p>Local Government (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In 2018, more U.S. adults trusted Congress than their local governments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of elected bodies and elected officials at all levels of government combined?

<p>510,682</p> Signup and view all the answers

The number of municipal governments in the U.S. is __________.

<p>19,429</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of federalism?

<p>It prevents uniform policy across the country (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which state had the highest median household income in 2017?

<p>Maryland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of government with the number of elected officials:

<p>County governments = 3,034 School districts = 13,506 Statewide offices = 1,036 State boards = 1,331</p> Signup and view all the answers

There are 1,036 statewide offices in the U.S.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Race-to-the-bottom dynamics refer to states raising taxes to attract businesses.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of U.S. adults trusted their state governments in 2018?

<p>63</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the median household income in West Virginia in 2017?

<p>$43,469</p> Signup and view all the answers

In 2016, New York spent _____ per student for elementary and secondary education.

<p>$22,366</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following states with their education spending per student:

<p>New York = $22,366 Utah = $6,953 California = $11,000 Texas = $9,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do proponents of social justice view federalism in relation to economic disparities?

<p>It obstructs efforts to reduce disparities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As of March 2021, most states have opted to expand Medicaid as per the Affordable Care Act.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major historical event led to federal responses being blocked by the Supreme Court during President Roosevelt's administration?

<p>The Great Depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Federalism

A system of government where power is shared between a central authority (national government) and regional authorities (states).

Policy Innovation

States can experiment with new laws and policies, providing lessons for other states and the federal government.

Accommodating Diversity

Federalism allows for a greater variety of viewpoints and needs to be considered, making it easier to find common ground.

Increased Participation

Local governments have the power to address specific community needs, making citizens feel more connected to their government.

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Conflict

The potential for conflict between national and state governments when they disagree on issues.

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Inequality

Unequal distribution of resources and power between states, leading to disparities in services and opportunities.

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Implementation Challenges

The difficulty of enacting consistent policies across the country due to diverse state laws and regulations.

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Overreach

The possibility of one level of government overstepping its authority and encroaching on the powers of another.

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Federalism and Policy Goals

The ability of different levels of government (federal, state, and local) to work together to achieve policy goals. If one level fails, another level can try to address the issue.

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Federalism in the US

The system of government in the United States where power is divided between the national government and state governments. Each level has its own responsibilities and authority.

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Political Participation in Federalism

The practice of actively participating in shaping public policy by individuals, groups, and social movements. They can influence government actions at different levels through voting, organizing, and lobbying.

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Elected Officials in US

The large number of elected officials in the US, exceeding 500,000. This system provides opportunities for involvement at various levels of government.

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Political Career Progression

The common path for political careers in the US often starts at the local level and progresses towards higher levels. Many politicians first gain experience in their communities before seeking higher office.

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State and Local Autonomy

The power of state and local governments to address issues based on their unique needs and preferences.

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Uniform Policies

Policies that are consistent across all states, often enforced by the federal government.

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Checks and Balances

The process where different branches of government (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial) limit each other's power.

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State Policy Diversity

Differences in how states approach issues like abortion, alcohol, gun control, and welfare benefits based on their own values and priorities.

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Federal Preemption

When the federal government prevents states from implementing policies that differ from national standards.

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Potential for Conflict in Federalism

The potential for conflict between different levels of government (federal, state, local) when they have overlapping powers.

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Advantages of Federalism

Benefits of federalism such as addressing local issues, diverse policies, and a system of checks and balances.

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Supreme Court's Decision on Voting Rights Act

The legal challenge to a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that allowed federal oversight of nine states with a history of racial discrimination in voting. The Supreme Court struck down this provision in 2013, effectively reducing federal involvement in ensuring fair elections.

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Independent State Legislature Theory

The theory that state legislatures have unrestricted power to set election rules, without any federal or judicial oversight. This theory was rejected by the Supreme Court in 2023, confirming that state election laws are subject to judicial review.

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Affordable Care Act's Challenges

Federal law known as the Affordable Care Act aimed at making health insurance accessible to more Americans. This law faced numerous challenges - both political and legal - immediately after its enactment.

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States as Policy Laboratories

A concept that state governments can experiment with new laws and policies without direct interference from the federal government. This has implications for the evolution of policies on issues like healthcare and voting laws.

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Moore v. Harper and Voting Laws

The impact of the Supreme Court ruling in Moore v. Harper, stating that state legislatures are not entirely free to create voting regulations without judicial review. It maintains the federal government's role in preventing unfair or discriminatory voting practices.

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Race-to-the-bottom dynamics

States competing to attract businesses by offering lower taxes and regulations, often at the expense of worker safety and social programs.

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Economic disparities across states

The idea that differences in state resources and policies can lead to unequal opportunities and outcomes for citizens.

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Difficulty of national action

The difficulty of enacting consistent national policies due to varying state laws and regulations.

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States competing for businesses

States using lower taxes and regulations to attract businesses, often at the cost of worker protections and social welfare.

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Federalism obstructing national efforts

The potential for states to undermine national policy efforts by pursuing their own agendas, especially in areas like healthcare and education.

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Social costs of state competition

States reducing taxes and regulations to attract businesses, which can lead to lower wages, reduced worker protections, and underfunded social programs.

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Federal checks and balances hindering national action

The Supreme Court striking down President Roosevelt's efforts to address the Great Depression, highlighting the challenges of implementing nationwide policy.

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States as policy innovators

The idea that states can experiment with different policies, potentially generating lessons and best practices for other states and the federal government.

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Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss advantages of federalism
  • Explain disadvantages of federalism

Benefits of Federalism

  • Promotes policy innovation: States can experiment with new policies, like those in child labor laws and women's suffrage, without affecting the entire nation. States can act as "laboratories" for ideas, allowing successful innovations to potentially spread.
  • Facilitates political participation: Provides more avenues for citizens to participate in policy-making at the state and local levels leading to diverse policy outcomes.
  • Accommodates diverse opinions: The system allows for different viewpoints and opinions in states, avoiding a one-size-fits-all national approach.
  • Example of Innovation: California's environmental policies have served as a model for other states. Health insurance exchanges in Connecticut, Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Washington have also influenced others.

Disadvantages of Federalism

  • Economic disparities: Significant differences in income and funding between states affects citizens' well-being and access to services like education. States compete with each other to attract business by lowering regulations and taxes, potentially impacting worker safety and pay.
  • Race-to-the-bottom dynamics: States often compete with each other to offer lower taxes and regulations to attract businesses. This can lead to a decline in overall standards for labor, environmental protection, etc.
  • Difficulty in addressing national issues: A lack of consistent policies across states can hinder the effective solutions to national problems. The system can make it challenging for the federal government to pass comprehensive laws, such as those regarding voting rights.
  • Political gridlock: The complex system of checks and balances can prevent national responses to significant problems. The system can lead to political gridlock, hindering comprehensive national policy solutions.
  • Example: The Supreme Court's decision in 2013 to nullify a part of the Voting Rights Act allowed states to make changes to voting laws. California and other states previously faced federal oversight in regards to voting regulations.

Federalism and Political Office

  • Many elected offices exist at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Subnational level (state and local) offices are more accessible for individuals pursuing political careers.

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Description

This quiz discusses the pros and cons of federalism, highlighting how it promotes policy innovation and increases political participation while also addressing economic disparities and potential inefficiencies. Test your knowledge on how diverse opinions are accommodated within this system and learn about key examples that illustrate these concepts.

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