Types of Federalism Flashcards

Types of Federalism

• Dual Federalism: Known as "layer cake federalism," separates national and state government powers distinctly.
• Cooperative Federalism: Also called "marble cake federalism," emerged during the New Deal, emphasizing collaborative efforts between national and state governments.
• New Federalism: Focused on reversing cooperative federalism and promoting devolution, where power is transferred to smaller political units.
• Fiscal Federalism: Involves the national government's spending, taxation, and grant distribution to influence state and local governments.

Grants and Funding

• Grants-in-Aid Programs: Funds from the federal government allocated to state and local governments for specific projects, originally for public works like canals and railroads.
• Categorical Grants: Designated funds for specific purposes defined by law, often requiring matching funds; includes project grants and formula grants.
• Block Grants: General funding for broader categories like education or healthcare, offering states flexibility in expenditure; favored by state governments.
• Revenue Sharing: A form of aid with no restrictions on use, proposed during the Johnson administration but eliminated during Reagan's presidency.

Mandates and Regulations

• Mandates: Requirements imposed by the national government on state and local entities, often resulting in unfunded mandates that require local funding for compliance.
• Unfunded Mandate Reform Act: Passed after the 1994 mid-term elections to limit Congress's ability to impose unfunded mandates.

Federalism Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages: Promotes diversity in governance for large areas, prevents concentration of power, accommodates existing state governments, serves as a training ground for national leaders, and keeps government close to citizens.
• Disadvantages: Inflexibility from a written constitution, complexity from multiple governing bodies, duplication of services, and potential conflicts of authority.

Powers of Government

• Delegated Powers: Also known as expressed or enumerated powers, explicitly assigned to the national government.
• Inherent Powers: Sovereign powers necessary for national government functioning.
• Concurrent Powers: Powers that are shared by both national and state governments.
• Reserved Powers: Powers constitutionally reserved for states, neither delegated to the national government nor prohibited to the states.
• Implied Powers: Powers inferred from the Constitution, particularly through the Necessary and Proper Clause.

State Guarantees

• Republican Form of Government: Provision ensuring a representative government structure in states.
• Protection Against Invasion: Guarantees national defense against foreign threats.
• Protection Against Domestic Violence: Ensures security and order within state borders.
• Geographic Integrity of States: Respect for the boundaries and sovereignty of each state.