Federalism Importance

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) What is federalism and how is it important?

Federalism is the federal, or national, principle or system of government. It is a system of government in which powers are apportioned between a national, central government and regional governments such as states and local governments. The United States Constitution created federalism. Federalism includes delegated or express powers that belong solely to the federal government such as coining money, declaring war, paying debts, raising an army, punishing pirates, establishing a postal service, and foreign policy under Article I. Reserved powers are reserved for the states such as controlling and standardizing licensing, elections, the public educational system, public health, police, prisons …show more content…

Dual Federalism (Layer Cake Federalism), which is clear division of governing authority between national and state governments. 2. Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake Federalism), which is mingled governing authority, with functions overlapping between the national and state governments. 3. New Federalism, which is an adaptation of cooperative federalism, except with a stronger emphasis on state and local government, instead of national government.
Federalism is very important for safeguarding a government that is close to its citizens, yet is still able to deal with the national level pressures like foreign policy. The benefits of federalism include the following:
1. Nurtures closeness to states since citizens typically feel better connected to the states versus national government.
2. State and local governments can respond more efficiently and effectively to distinctive local issues.
3. Creates political stability by removing federal government from contentious local …show more content…

The Constitution created a system of checks and balances that are efficient and effective. Power is shared among every level of government from national to state to local. There are checks at every level within every branch of government. On the federal level, Congress is the legislative branch that creates laws and policies. Congress is kept in check and balanced by the executive and judicial branches. The Executive branch is responsible for the administration of the nation, which is checked and balanced by the legislative and judicial branches. The judicial branch is made up of courts to interpret laws and is checked and balanced by the executive and legislative branches. Each federal branch has its own departments, which have their own checks and balances. This creates a horizontal division of power so that no public official can act on his or her own. There must always be cooperation from others and

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