FEDERALISM Explained [AP Government Review]

Summary

This video from 'Hammers History' delves into the concept of federalism in the US government, clarifying that it's not about the federal government itself but rather the division of power between state and national governments. It explains how federalism ensures a balance of power, with examples like the interstate highway system. The script also touches on the evolution of federalism, from dual federalism to marble cake federalism, and finally to fiscal federalism, where the federal government provides funds to states with certain conditions attached. Key constitutional amendments like the 10th and 14th are highlighted for their role in shaping federalism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Federalism is a fundamental concept in the US government, often misunderstood as referring to the federal government, but actually pertains to the division of power between the national and state governments.
• 🏛️ The framers of the US Constitution chose not to create a unitary government, instead opting for federalism, which divides power between the central government and the states.
• 🤔 Federalism involves a balance of power, with national and state governments having some areas of independence and some areas of shared responsibility, such as the interstate highway system.
• 📜 The Constitution's structure, including the Tenth Amendment and the Full Faith and Credit Clause, reflects the principles of federalism by granting substantial powers to both the national and state governments.
• 📚 The 14th Amendment plays a crucial role in federalism by giving the federal government the power to nullify discriminatory state laws and ensuring equal protection under the law.
• 🚨 The McCulloch v. Maryland case in 1819 was a pivotal moment in the interpretation of federalism, establishing the federal government's authority to establish a National Bank and the supremacy of federal law over state law.
• 🍰 The evolution of federalism has seen different models, including dual federalism (layer-cake model), where national and state governments operate largely independently, and marble cake federalism, where there is more overlap and shared power.
• 💵 Fiscal federalism, which emerged more prominently in the 20th century, involves the federal government providing funds to states with certain conditions attached, thus influencing state policies.
• 🏫 Categorical grants and block grants are examples of how fiscal federalism operates today, with the federal government using financial incentives to shape state policies in areas like education and healthcare.
• 🔄 The dynamic between state sovereignty and national sovereignty is ongoing, with federalism's evolution reflecting the constant negotiation and redefinition of power between different levels of government.

Q & A

What is the main concept of federalism in the context of the US government?

Federalism in the context of the US government refers to the division of power between the national (federal) government and state governments. It is not solely about the federal government but rather the separation of powers under the US constitutional system.

Why might the term 'federalism' be confusing to students of US government?

The term 'federalism' might be confusing because it sounds like it's only about the federal government, but it actually pertains to the distribution of power between the federal and state governments.

How does the Constitution ensure a balance of power between the national and state governments?

The Constitution ensures a balance of power through the principle of federalism, which divides authority between the national and state governments. It grants substantial powers to both levels of government, as seen in the Tenth Amendment and the Full Faith and Credit Clause.

What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment in understanding state power within federalism?

The Tenth Amendment is significant as it reserves powers to the states that are not expressly given to the federal government by the Constitution, thus reinforcing state sovereignty.

Can you explain the concept of 'dual federalism' as mentioned in the script?

Dual federalism, also known as layer-cake federalism, is a model where the national government and state governments operate largely independently with only minimal overlap, like separate layers in a cake.

What is the 'marble cake federalism' and how does it differ from dual federalism?

Marble cake federalism is a model that emerged after the 1930s, particularly with the New Deal, where the federal government became more involved in areas traditionally under state control. It differs from dual federalism by having more intermingling of powers between the federal and state governments, similar to the way flavors blend in a marble cake.

How does the concept of 'fiscal federalism' work in the context of US government?

Fiscal federalism refers to the current model where the federal government provides funds to states for various programs but with attached conditions and requirements, thus influencing state policies and practices.

What is the difference between categorical grants and block grants as described in the script?

Categorical grants are federal funds that must be used for a specific purpose, often with coercive conditions attached. Block grants, on the other hand, provide funds for a broad policy area but allow states more discretion in how to spend the money within that area.

Why did the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819 challenge the federalist system?

McCulloch v. Maryland challenged the federalist system by testing the authority of the federal government to establish a national bank, which was seen as an overreach by some states. The Supreme Court upheld the federal government's right to establish the bank, reinforcing the principle of federal supremacy.

How does the 14th Amendment impact the balance of power between state and federal governments?

The 14th Amendment impacts the balance of power by providing the federal government with the authority to nullify discriminatory state laws and ensure equal protection under the law for all citizens, thus strengthening federal power in certain areas.