Define Federalism And Discuss How It Relates To The National

define Federalism And Discuss How It Relates To National And

Define federalism and discuss how it relates to national and state sovereignty. What are the similarities and differences between today’s version of federalism and the federalism that was established in 1787? Your response should be at least 300 words in length.

Paper For Above instruction

Federalism is a political system in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This division of power allows for shared sovereignty, whereby both levels of government have recognized powers and responsibilities that enable them to govern effectively within their respective spheres. This structure is fundamental to the United States, where the Constitution delineates the powers allocated to the federal government and reserves the remaining powers to the states.

The relationship between federalism and sovereignty in the United States hinges on the balance of power. Federal sovereignty refers to the overarching authority of the national government, especially seen in enumerated powers granted explicitly by the Constitution. Conversely, state sovereignty emphasizes the independence and autonomy of individual states to govern themselves in areas not explicitly assigned to the federal government. This dual sovereignty framework enables a division whereby each level of government operates within its constitutional boundaries, often leading to a complex interplay of authority, especially in policy areas like education, transportation, and health.

Historically, the U.S. federal system was established in 1787, primarily through the Federalist Papers and the Constitution. Initially, the emphasis was on a strong central government while respecting states' rights. However, over time, the nature of federalism has evolved. The original Federalism was characterized by a relatively limited federal authority, with states retaining broad powers. Today’s federalism is often termed “cooperative” or “dual” federalism, reflecting a more intertwined relationship between state and federal governments, especially as federal agencies increasingly influence state policies through grants, mandates, and regulations.

Today’s federalism differs from that of 1787 in significant ways. While the 1787 framework emphasized limited federal power and significant state sovereignty, contemporary practices have seen a shift towards greater federal influence in domestic policy. This change is largely driven by landmark Supreme Court decisions like McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), which established the supremacy of federal law, and the Civil Rights Act (1964), which invoked the Commerce Clause to justify federal intervention in civil rights issues. The evolution reflects an ongoing tension; some argue that federal power has expanded beyond constitutional bounds, while others see it as necessary for addressing modern complex challenges.

The similarities between the two eras include an overarching recognition of both federal and state powers as integral to the functioning of the nation. The fundamental principles of shared sovereignty and constitutional division remain central. The differences primarily pertain to the extent and manner of federal influence, with contemporary federalism tending to favor a more centralized authority, often justified by the need for national standards and responses to issues such as economic crises, terrorism, and environmental concerns.

In conclusion, federalism in the United States is a dynamic and evolving system of shared sovereignty between the national and state governments. Although rooted in the founding principles of 1787, it has adapted over the centuries in response to changing political, social, and economic landscapes. Understanding these shifts is crucial to grasping the ongoing debates about state sovereignty, federal authority, and the distribution of power within the American political system.

References

• Elazar, D. J. (1987). American federalism: A view from the states. Routledge.
• Kincaid, J. (1997). The political theory of American federalism. Routledge.
• McDonald, M. P. (2010). Federalism: A framework for analysis. Routledge.
• U.S. Constitution. (1787). National Archives.
• Robertson, D. (2011). State sovereignty and the evolution of American federalism. Oxford University Press.
• Tarnoff, C., & Wolff, L. (2011). The U.S. role in nation-building: From Germany to Iraq. Congressional Research Service.
• O'Leary, R. (2006). The federal system: A historical perspective. Harvard University Press.
• Kettl, D. F. (2000). The transformation of American federalism. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Schattschneider, E. E. (1960). The semi-sovereign People: A realist's view of American democracy. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
• Stern, M. (2019). Contemporary federalism and American politics. Routledge.