Question

explain the Evolution of U.S. Federalism- dual federalism vs. cooperative federalism, new federalism, representational federalism, and coercive federalism.

Answer 1

The evolution of U.S Federalism can be described under dual federalism, cooperative federalism, new federalism, representational federalism, and coercive federalism.

Dual federalism - In the late 1870 s there comes a new phase in the evolution of US Federalism. Under dual federalism, the states and national government exercise exclusive authority in distinctly delineated spheres of jurisdiction. There are teo factors which contributed to the emergence of this conception of federalism. First several supreme court rulings blocked attempts by both state and federal governments to step outside their jurisdictional boundaries. Second the prevailing economic philosophy at the time loathed government interference in the process of industrial development. Industrialization changed the socio economic landscape of the United States. One of its adverse effects, was the concentration of market power. Because there was no national regulatory supervision to ensure fairness in market practices, collusive behaviour among powerful firms emerged in several industries.

Co operative Federalism - The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic hardships the nation had never witnessed before.

Co operative Federalism was born of necessity and lasted well into the twentieth century as the national and state governments each found it beneficial. Under this model, both levels of government coordinated their actions to solve national problems, such as the great depression and the civil rights struggle of the following decades. in contrast to dual federalism, it erodes the jurisdictional boundaries between the states and national government, leading to a blending of layers in a marble cake. The era of cooperative federalism contributed to the gradual incursion of national authority into the jurisdictional domain of the states, as well as the expansion of the national government's power in concurrent policy areas.

New Federalism - New Federalism is premised on the idea that the decentralization of policies enhanses administrative efficiency, reduces overall public spending, and improves policy outcomes.

Representational Federalism - There is no constitutional division of powers between nation and states: federalism is defined by the role of the states in electing members to congress and the president.

Coercive Federalsim - States would withhold or grant federal aid money to states depending on how well states did what the national government wanted them to do.