Definition of Federalism Essay

Federalism

Federalism is a hybrid form of government that unites the federal and state levels of government under a singular political framework.

Pre-federalism Phase (1775-1789)

Since the constitution’s approval, there have been discussions about the nature of the union, the privileges and powers given to the federal government, and the powers reserved for the states and the people. Due to the political, social, and economic variables affecting the country, the issues culminated into a topic of intense discussion for a considerable amount of time. The Pre-federalism phase, which lasted from 1775 to 1789, was the first one. A war for independence waged in the country which led to the establishment of a confederation form of government. It, in turn, resulted in a sovereign league of states Deficiencies in the article soon after its adoption led to its repealing as some issues surrounding sovereignty and supremacy came about that culminated in a civil war and misunderstandings (Wilson, John, and Meena).

Dual Federalism (1789-1901)

The other era of Federalism was between 1789-1901 also known as Dual federalism. It consisted of a minimal collaboration between the state and Federal government in their allocated duties. Proceeding, the other period of federalism was Cooperative federalism that took place from 1901-1960. It was during this period when a huge step in the collaboration between the two forms of government took place and changes began being visible. National income tax and grant-in-aid got authorization in response to the problems that were confronting the nation (Wilson, John, and Meena). The era 1960 to 1968 was called Creative Federalism by President Johnson’s government. Its exemplification was in the Great Society programs. From assessment, the federalism was a shift from the past characterized by power alteration between the government levels through an increase of grant-in-programs and use of regulations.

Contemporary Federalism (1970-1997)

The other period was Contemporary federalism which occurred from 1970-1997. Its characteristics included a shift of intergovernmental grant system, development of unfunded federal mandates, concerns regarding federal regulation and prolonged disputes over the nature of the federal system. The final era is the New Federalism. It’s characterized by the return of power to states, “devolution revolution,” and is present to date. Sometimes it’s known as state rights (Johnson and Kimberley).

How Federalism functions between Federal government and the States

Federalism refers to a government that gives executive its powers while on the other hand also grants states lots of power. It thrives on a written constitution that delegates specific mandates between the central and regional or sub-divisional governments (Johnson and Kimberley). They directly act on the people through their officials and the set laws. They are both supreme in their spheres of influence and authority have to agree on any changes to be effected in the constitution. Despite the fact that all states have their constitutions, they must comply with the US Constitution.

The constitution grants powers that deal with issues predominant to the whole nation exclusively to the Federal Government. On the other hand, states are given powers to deal with matters affecting the particular state. Some of the powers reserved to the national government include the declaration of war, making laws that enforce abiding by the Constitution and entering into treaties with a foreign government. Regulations reserved for the state governments include the provision of public health and safety, issue licenses and also conduct elections. Powers shared by the two state divisions include building roads, spending money to better peoples’ welfare and making and enforcing of laws (Wilson, John, and Meena).

Works Cited

Johnson, Kimberley S. Governing the American State: Congress and the new federalism, 1877-1929. Princeton University Press, 2016.

Wilson, James Q., John J. DiIulio Jr, and Meena Bose. American Government: Institutions and Policies. Cengage Learning, 2016.