1. Federalism and Nationalism
Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

2. In this chapter, you will:
Learn what federalism is
Explore the strengths of federal and state governments
Examine how federalism works—how it has evolved
Review the contemporary conflicts that surround federalism
Explore American nationalism, the force that binds and shapes our federalist polity
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

3. Forging Federalism
The United States rebelled against a unitary system and rejected a federation after trying one for a decade.
The Constitutional Convention created a new hybrid form of government: a federal system of shared and overlapping powers. Power is divided and shared between national and state governments.
American federalism is further complicated by local governments, which are reliant on state government for their authority.
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

4. Who Holds Government Authority?
The most important question in federalism is where to place responsibility—on the state or national level.
State-level policy has four advantages: It reflects local needs, enables innovations in the laboratories of democracy, protects rights, and enhances choice.
National-level policy also has four advantages: It enhances fairness (avoiding a race to the bottom), equalizes resources, promotes national standards and best practices, and facilitates coordination.
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

5. How Federalism Works
The Constitution grants the national government both delegated (or enumerated) powers and implied powers. Some features of the Constitution emphasize broad national powers (e.g., the elastic clause); others seem to emphasize state power (the Tenth Amendment).
Successive eras of federalism: dual federalism with clearly demarcated authority; cooperative federalism with federal dominance and blurred lines; New federalism, less federal money, more state authority – now a goal of the Trump administration; and Progressive federalism with national goals and state innovations.
Federalism reflects the increasing polarization of the country.
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

6. Issues in Federalism
Devolution transfers responsibility back to state and local governments.
Both parties in office take a varied approach that belies the simple expectation that Democrats seek national programs while Republicans try to devolve power to state and local authorities.
The courts have played an important role in defining federalism
In recent years the Supreme Court has tended to tilt toward local and state power.
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

7. Nationalism, American Style
Americans have long felt a strong sense of nationalism. This helps bind together a large and diverse nation with a fragmented government.
Nationalist bonds can also turn corrosive and exclusionary. “Nationalists” claiming America stands only for Anglo-Saxons or Christians or English speakers sow division.
A weak government means that American institutions (and officials) rank relatively low on three dimensions: size, authority, and independence.
The political results include an emphasis on citizen participation, the importance of building alliances, and a reliance on power and money.
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

8. Nationalism, American Style
America’s Weak National Government
Passionate nationalist sense linked to relatively weak governing institution
Strength of central governments measured by three principles: size, authority and independence
Size
American national government smaller than other nations
Grew after World War I
U.S. government still spends less than most other wealthy nations
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM

9. Nationalism, American Style
Authority
Most developed nations had powerful and efficient national bureaucracies, American government engaged citizens without bureaucracy
Civic voluntarism: citizens voluntarily participating in public life without government involvement
Projected robust nationalist feeling
Widespread individual efforts for the common good
Lived on for generations
U.S. emphasizes community participation over centralized administration
Independence
Americans separate and divide governing power more than any other wealthy country
Federalism operates along a vertical dimension
Power is shared among different levels of government
CHAPTER 3: FEDERALISM AND NATIONALISM