American Politics in the Media Age, Essay Example

Federalism is a system that is based on the principles of sharing, overlapping, and competing with powers between all levels within the government. In the United States this is observed between the federal and state government. The authority within the federal government is coordinated through different branches of government control.  However, the federalism system uses what is known as “checks and balances”.  Implementing a checks and balance procedure facilitates the states and local governments from allowing the federal government to take advantage of its power, as well as the federal government facilitating state and local government from abusing their power. (United States Department of State Bureau of International Information Programs, 2014)  Federalism has been an important part of the United States government, as well as its evolution and relationship with other government entities within the United States.  The current paper examines how federalism has evolved from its origins to the current American political system, factors that have shaped American political behavior, and the relationship between the states and the United States federal government that influenced American policies.

The evolution of federalism in the United States can be divided into six different stages based on theories during those time periods.  Some researchers have referred to the first era of American federalism as a “nation-centered federalism”.  Nation-centered federalism is attributed to Alexander Hamilton during President Washington’s term. The theory describes that the Constitution is the document that has been ratified and emanates from the American people and that it is the focus point for politics within the United States for adjourning to the needs of the American people. During this time, the relationship between the state and federal powers and laws were brought together.  For instance, some state laws and national laws were adopted based on each other’s laws.(Evans, 1981)  By the year 1840, anti-centralists theories emerged and the idea of a more state-centered government rule was brought to the table.  Supporters of the state-centered federalist power argued that the state had limitations restricting the power of the national government. The state-centered federalism government position is thought to have contributed to the Civil War. During the Civil War, the theory of Dual Federalism emerged, in which it was argued that the state and federal governments were two separate powers.  Through this struggle, the state and federal governments eventually recognized each other as forms of authority.  After the Civil War, the politicians began the theory of Cooperative Federalism. Cooperative Federalism occurred during this time due to the national and World crises that were happening, such as the Great Depression, World War I, and World War II.  Due to these events, there were increased levels of activities at all levels of the government to include, local, state and federal.  In addition, there was an increase in collaboration between these levels of government. (Evans, 1981)

By the 1960’s, the United States view on federalism changed from cooperative to creative; however, the creative federalism view is referred to as an extension of cooperative.  Creative federalism also recognized the coordination and collaboration of the different levels of government; however, it put more power to the local and private entities. Therefore, this age was a time where federalism established new relationships. By 1968, new federalism ideas evolved and the level of authority returned most of the power for the people at the state and local levels.  The Nixon administration had a great part in the implementation of laws and policies at the state and local government levels.  (Evans, 1981)  President Reagan also supported the decreased role for the federal government and implemented tax cuts and increased levels of Social Security payments to the people resulting in less money available for federal programs. President Bush and Clinton’s administration has followed Reagan’s strategy, which continues to work. (Katz, 1997)

Although there has been a change in ideas or theories for the government levels over the course of American history, there are several factors that influence the need and change for federalism in the United States.  Firstly, federalism supports diversity. This suggests that local governments are able to deal with local problems instead of the nation having to comply with one uniform policy.  Secondly, federalism helps maintain order or conflict. This allows states and local governments to develop and implement their own policies that would overcrowd the federal government time and ability.  Thirdly, federalism allows for the dispersion of power among the government agencies. This allows for the distribution of power in order to prevent tyranny. (Dye et al., 1992)

It is important that federalism supports the diversity of local and state governments.  The federal government would not have the ability or time to deal with all of the problems that happen at the local and state level.  It is therefore essential for the federalism status of current politics to allow for the representation of the local and state governments in political decision making.  The federal view on the division of powers is in regard of the ability for the states to elect members of Congress, as well as the president. In addition, it is important for state and local governments to be a part of politics, as these governments allow for the survival of the opposing party in the event of a failed national election.  Furthermore, these factors increase the participation of federalism across the nation.  More people are interested and more people run for office in the different communities at the local, county, city, township, school district sectors.

Overall, the history of federalism has shaped the government procedures that are implemented today.  Our nation is composed of a diverse group of political standpoints; however, through the history of federalism, the different government levels work together in order to maintain the stable environment of a federalism nation. (Dye et al., 1992)

References

Dye, T. R., Zeigler, H., and Lichter, S. R.. (1992).  American Politics in the Media Age, 4th ed. Pacific Grove, CA.  Retrieved from: http://www.cengage.com/resource_uploads/downloads/0495913510_265742.pdf

Katz, E.  (1997).  American Federalism, Past, Present and Future.  The U.S. Information Service’s Electronic Journal.  Issues of Democracy.  Retrieved from: http://www.ucs.louisiana.edu/~ras2777/amgov/federalism.html

United States Department of State Bureau of International Information Programs. (2014). What Is Federalism?  Retrieved from: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/133183/english/P_You_Asked_WhatIsFederalism.pdf