Question

Explain how dual, cooperative, and centralized federalism differ in their basic concepts, and how the shift occurred from each type to the next over the course of American history

Answer 1

• Dual federalism, a clearly divided sovereignty between the federal and state governments in well defined terms. The powers are divided among the two along the clearly defined lines.
• In cooperative federalsim the arrangement of powers between the federal, state, and local governments. In this type of government all the three divisions collectively solve the common issues without acting separately.
• Centralized federalism means setting up of all the national policies would be the responsiblity of federal government while as state and local governments will have to implement them.
• In the late 19th century US had a well defined dual federalism. Whenever federal or state tried to cross the line supreme court came to push them back as can be seen in case of  regulation of manufacturing by the the national government or in case of regulation of working conditions by the states.
• However, after the Great Depression, the pressure was built on the national government to synchronize a strong national comeback while taking the states on board. And thus the cooperative federalism was born as a  necessity.
• Although the cooperative federalism lasted well into the twentieth century, it led to the gradual invasion of federal government in the state policy areas.
• With the creation of Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, and other broad policies by the federal government has changed the course back in the direction of centralized federalism.