FEDERALISM in ACTION [AP Gov Review Unit 1 Topic 9 (1.9)]

Summary

This video explores the concept of federalism through current examples, focusing on how power distribution between national and state governments impacts policymaking. It discusses the Paris Agreement and varying state responses to environmental regulations, as well as the 'laboratory of democracy' concept illustrated by the legalization of marijuana across different states. The video highlights the influence of political ideology on federal policies and the dynamic interplay between federal and state laws.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the concept of federalism in the context of the AP Government curriculum, focusing on how power distribution impacts policymaking.
• 🏛 Federalism divides power among federal, state, and local governments, providing multiple access points for stakeholders to influence policy outcomes.
• 🌳 Environmental regulations serve as a current example of federalism, with the U.S.'s involvement in the Paris Agreement under President Obama and subsequent withdrawal under President Trump, showing how state policies can differ from federal directives.
• 🌊 California's decision to maintain stricter environmental regulations than the federal government, despite the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, illustrates the state's autonomy in policy matters.
• 🌿 The legalization of marijuana is another example of federalism, where states act as 'laboratories for democracy' by implementing laws to gauge potential national policy adoption.
• 🚫 Despite federal illegality, states like Colorado have legalized recreational marijuana, demonstrating a state-federal conflict and the president's role in enforcing federal laws.
• 🔬 The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 intensified the federal crackdown on marijuana, but growing research on its medical benefits led to state-level legalization of medical marijuana, starting with California in 1996.
• 🗳️ State-by-state legalization of marijuana for recreational use has increased since Colorado's move in 2012, with 18 more states following suit, indicating a shift in national attitudes towards the drug.
• 🤔 The video emphasizes the importance of understanding federalism's role in shaping policy, as seen in environmental regulations and marijuana legalization.
• 🔄 The political ideology of the president significantly influences federal policy, as seen with the Paris Agreement and the enforcement of marijuana laws.
• 📈 The video concludes by encouraging viewers to subscribe for more content on AP Government, aiming to help students excel in their studies and exams.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the concept of federalism, specifically how it impacts policymaking in the United States through current examples such as environmental regulations and the legalization of marijuana.

What does the term 'stakeholders' refer to in the context of the video script?

In the context of the video script, 'stakeholders' refers to individuals or groups who are affected by the outcome of legislation, such as the general public or specific interest groups.

Why is the Paris Agreement mentioned in the script?

The Paris Agreement is mentioned as an example of how federalism can influence international environmental policies and regulations, showing how different U.S. presidents have interacted with the agreement based on their political ideologies.

How did President Obama's approach to the Paris Agreement differ from the Senate's stance?

President Obama entered the Paris Agreement through an executive order because the Senate, which was majority Republican at the time, was not in favor of the agreement, and thus did not provide the necessary approval for the U.S. to join through a treaty process.

What is the significance of California's decision to maintain the Paris Agreement regulations after the U.S. withdrawal under President Trump?

California's decision to maintain the Paris Agreement regulations signifies a state's ability to enforce stricter environmental standards than the federal government, demonstrating the role of states as 'laboratories of democracy' within the federal system.

How does the legalization of marijuana serve as an example of 'states as laboratories for democracy'?

The legalization of marijuana serves as an example because states like Colorado and Washington have enacted laws that differ from federal laws, allowing the federal government and other states to observe the effects of these laws before considering broader policy changes.

What was the federal stance on marijuana before state-level legalization efforts began?

Before state-level legalization efforts, marijuana was illegal federally since the end of the 1930s, with severe punishments stipulated for possession and use under the Controlled Substances Act passed during President Nixon's war on drugs.

How did President Obama's administration handle the discrepancy between state and federal marijuana laws?

President Obama's administration chose not to devote federal resources to enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized its use, effectively allowing state-level legalization to proceed without direct federal interference.

What impact did the state-level legalization of marijuana have on other states?

The state-level legalization of marijuana, starting with Colorado and Washington, led to 18 more states following suit, indicating a growing trend and potential for future national policy changes.

What does the video script suggest about the role of the president in federalism?

The video script suggests that the president plays a significant role in federalism by enforcing or choosing not to enforce certain federal laws, as seen with President Obama's approach to state marijuana legalization.