Lesson 18: Fiscal Federalism

     Eventually fiscal federalism grew to replace cooperative federalism.  Changes were made in taxing and spending privileges in the federal government.  The federal government influences the state governments by distributing money in the form of grants-in-aid.
     Although the states sometimes need money and the federal government to begin state projects, it comes with the price of federal supervision and regulation.  Not all states want the federalists noses in their business.  But the consquences of not accepting federal aid can sometimes be worse than being commanded about.
     For instance, if a state refuses federal aid, keeping state schools and roadways in optimal condition is hard without plenty of money.  Also, if federal aid is accpeted but the rules set in place are not followed, funding can be cut.
     Its up to the state to decide what will be the best for its citizens.  Accepting federal aid can be good for a state with little money for funding projects, but at the same time it may give restrictions that state citizens aren't pleased with.

Lesson 17: Cooperative Federalism

     Cooperative federalism came from the idea of dual federalism.  In dual federalism, the forms of government are connected, but their functions pertain only to each individual form.
     Cooperative federalism, rather than have the functions of government assigned to specific groups, has each form of government share in their functions and responsibilities.  The concept of cooperative federalism was adopted by the United States government to replace dual federalism as the federal government expanded.


     Question: In the marble cake diagram, why are the parts of the cake combined instead of separate?

 

Answer: Because the responsibilities of the national and state governments are intertwined.

Lesson 15: Defining Federalism

     Federalism was created by the framers of the constitution to form an agreement between opposing opinions of how America should be governed.  Its purpose was to allow power to be devided between the individual states and the federal government.  This power balance insures that no one group can dominate the nation entirely.
     Neither state nor federal government receive their powers from each other.  Rather, they receive their powers directly from the people, the federal and the state powers are governed by the people.  This concept of government promotes the nation as a whole to work together.