Download The Federal System

UNIT #1
Foundations of U.S.
Government
CHAPTER #4
The Federal System
LESSON #3
Federalism: The
Ongoing Process
UNIT #1
Foundations of U.S.
Government
CHAPTER #4
The Federal System
LESSON #3
Federalism: The
Ongoing Process
Page 1
Federalism
-Federalism is defined as the division (or
sharing) of powers between the national
government and the states
-Federalism is a complicated idea that is
ever-changing
-New laws, court decisions and common
practices have changed duties and
responsibilities of both the national and
state governments
UNIT #1
Foundations of U.S.
Government
CHAPTER #4
The Federal System
LESSON #3
Federalism: The
Ongoing Process
Page 2
Opposing Views on Federalism
The State’s Rights Position
• State and local governments should deal
with social and economic issues
• States are closer to the citizens
• i.e. States should decide whether citizens
can conceal and carry a weapon
• i.e. States should decide whether gay
marriages are acceptable
The Nationalist Position
• The national government is better suited
to deal with social and economic issues
for all people
• National laws provide greater consistency
UNIT #1
Foundations of U.S.
Government
CHAPTER #4
The Federal System
LESSON #3
Federalism: The
Ongoing Process
Page 3
(continued)
• i.e. The national government should
decide whether a woman has the right to
an abortion
Federal Aid to States
-The federal government also expands its
power over the states in the form of aid
(money) to states
-This federal money is often used to fund
projects and programs within the states
-When a state government accepts federal
money, they must obey federal guidelines,
resulting in greater federal control