FEDERALISM
In the United States
Deondra Fisher
PADM 600
Introduction
The creation of the United States Constitution was to separate the powers of the government into
three branches. The branches consist of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. All three
branches work to provide various duties but meant to work in unison. Therefore, the separation
of powers was formed to perform checks and balances so that the branches may be on one
accord. Overall, the establishment of federalism resulted in separating the power of the states
from the national government in the 10th Amendment (LaCroix, 2015). The protection provides
the states the ability to create, enforce , and collect on their own laws and revenues. Since the
creation of the Constitution and presences of federalism, there have been several laws and acts
have evolved by the states and national government's collaboration. The Founding Fathers were
looking to separate the responsibility and ensure that the states were not under the direct control
of the national government (Rubin, 2020). One of the greatest concerns for several citizens is
what powers, privileges, and responsibilities on a national government level. The results of this,
usually leaves several citizens in doubt and indecisive about the amount of power of the citizens
and states. Furthermore, in the creation of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers desired the
establishment of the protection of the citizen’s unalienable rights (Kincaid & Howe, 2016). The
unalienable right are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness but is this goal achievable for those
citizens who are not a part of the national government? As the paper continues, it reveals the
history of federalism and its presence in the Constitution. Hence more, the basic analysis from
the impact of federal agency spending and federalism on public budgeting.
Constitutional Limited Federal Government & Federalism
Constitutional limited government is a system of government that has certain principles
of action by a state constitution. An example of a constitutionally limited government is the
United States. The concept of federalism limits the federal government due to the separation of
powers of federal and state governments. In addition, it applies to the branches. Each branch, the
separation of legislative, executive, and judicial branches (Hail & Lange, 2010). Therefore, the
states would be sovereign and be permitted to create their laws, policies, and taxes. The ideology
of federalism, the way that itis interpreted in the paper, and its use in limited government has
changed over the years. Furthermore, there are various periods of dual federalism, cooperative
federalism, a creative federalism, and contemporary federalism (Kincaid & Howe, 2016).
Without a doubt all periods bring forth an evolving system.
Dual & Cooperative Federalism
The term dual federalism is a concept where the national, and the state governments were equal
partners with separate authority (Epstein, 2014). There was a period, around 1789 to 1901, where
there was not the presence of collaboration between the national and state governments. The
changes began to be implemented slowly since it a fact that the Bill of Rights was part of the
Constitution (Kincaid & Howe, 2016). In addition, the 10th amendment became the foundation
of limited national government and states' rights by protecting the rights of the states. This made
the states realize this meant that all powers not expressly delegated to central government by the
Constitution were reserved for states (Hills, 1998). Furthermore, after a few events, the states
realized that if they are feeling violate by the national government over utilizing the power to
implement regulation, they must take a stand. The states have the right to use the doctrine of
nullification (LaCroix, 2015). The cooperative period of 1901 to 1960, exposed more
cooperation and collaboration between the levels of government (Hills, 1998). An example is,
the several jointly mandated and funded programs. In addition, the birth of both the Sixteenth
and Seventeenth Amendments. The year 1910, President Theodore Roosevelt desired the
expansion of the national government's powers. This action was utilized to assist in the social
justice and the economic welfare of the underprivilege citizens (LaCroix, 2015). In addition, the
Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments were established to help with the social-economic
problems citizens were facing (LaCroix, 2015). Lastly, the biggest event of that era was the Great
Depression ,while under the leadership of President Roosevelt. President Roosevelt expanded the
national role by the establishing the New Deal. The new deal was created to help the states
overcome the weaken economic situation (Kincaid & Howe , 2016). This concept was
responsible for the establishment of several vital programs, such as Social security.
Creative & Contemporary Federalism
The birth of creative federalism was between the years 1960 to 1968 under the leadership
of President Johnson. President Johnson's Great Society legislation, attempted to expand the
government’s roles to cease poverty, racism, and other negatives throughout the country (Kincaid
& Howe , 2016). His approach was quite different than others and it was successful for the
creation of various legislative acts. The acts consisted of The Economic Opportunity Act, Civil
Rights Acts, the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, and much more (Hail & Lange, 2010).
Furthermore, his persistency in equal distribution of fairness resulted in Educational Acts. These
acts addressed the fact that all children should be receiving equal education regardless of social-
economic status classification. Presently, we have a contemporary federalism since the 1970s.
Overall, it is a period of several shifts in the governmental systems. An overgrowth of concerns
about federal regulations, unfunded federal mandates, and much more (Hail & Lange, 2010).
Intentionally the federal government leaves most of the authority and responsibility for the local
and state governments to manage. Unfortunately, there is the presence of unfunded federal
mandates creating division and uncertainty on every level governments (Breunig & Koski,
2012).
The Federalism's Effects & Spending on the Federal Public Budget
The states independent from the federal government, but there are still joint programs
that are at the expense of both. The states usually tend to the federal government’s involvement
to specific needs. An example is FEMA when the area is affected by disaster. Federal
government gives grants to the states but persuade them to do specific tasks (Rubin, 2020). In
this case a great example would be giving funds to schools if they teach a specific course. The
different government levels have their budgeting plan but can be changed by certain control
mechanisms. The local government responds to the state government, and they report to the
federal government (Hail & Lange, 2010). In some cases, problems may occur with either the
fact that there is not a budget or the budget that was passed after the due date. When there is not
an adequate budget, congress must rest. Without the budget being adequate, then there is no way
to know what is needed financially. When it comes to the concept of budget, regardless of the
type of organization, or level of government, there are the presence of expenditures and
revenues (Hail & Lange, 2010).
When it comes to the expenditure side, there are several agencies included. Hence more, some of
the agencies are required expenditures that are considered mandatory. An example would be
entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Food stamp, etc (Breunig &
Koski, 2012). Revenues are basically considered incomes. Most of the government's revenue is
through collecting taxes, but they also utilized the borrowing methods. The textbook explains
that there is also the interest on the debt that must be paid on the monies that have been borrowed
(Rubin, 2020). Another factor is discretionary spending, which refers to an optional spending set
by appropriation levels annually by congress (Kincaid & Howe, 2016) When it comes the
discretionary spending, there is a large amount of money that has been allocated, and then
Congress must decide how much will be spent on each program. Despite the original plans, there
may be spending cuts or even eliminations of the programs if the funds are desired in another
section of the budget. The textbook explains, it is the amount that Congress sets annually for all
other programs and agencies in their budget (Rubin, 2020). When there are spending cuts for a
specific program, the process must continue with additional steps. The program may still have
the same expenditures but now must seek additional funds to take care of the expenses. The
event may take place in the form of the federal government mandating something such as
reducing the federal matching funds for a state welfare program (Fahey, 2015). If the scenario
does not occur, then the cost remains, and it becomes an unfortunate issue for the state . The state
becomes the responsible party for coming up with the full debt of the programs. In this case,
appropriate parties may reduce the budgeted amounts for local government to balance out the
difference (Breunig & Koski, 2012).
Conclusion
The concept of federalism is a vital presence in the constitution and government. The presence
ensure that all is on accord with checks and balance. Furthermore, it provides a chain of
command on how legislation is passed due to the budget and all changes. Although the presence
of this is fading due to a lack of bipartisanship, it remains vital (Fahey, 2015). Hence more, it
allows the people to give some effort to choose their elected officials. Decide who is more
appropriate, desirable, and who has a more hand for creating change. Regardless of the
outcomes, it makes people feel that they are contributing and vital person is the country (Hail &
Lange, 2010).The United states was built on Christian beliefs, and they can be seen in the
Constitution and the ideology of federalism. All levels of the government must work together to
restore order to the vision of the founding fathers. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man
for the LORD's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that
are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is
the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free,
and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God (1 Peter 2:13-
16 KJV).
Reference
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