Checks/BalancesChecks/Balances• Why do we have a system with a complex

process of checks and balances and separation of powers? • How does it operate?

• What are the three branches of government and what are their roles in American politics?

• Question of whether we want a divided government.

Federalism and Its AlternativesFederalism and Its AlternativesWhat Is Federalism?• Government powers are divided between a central

government and regional, or sub divisional governments.– The powers of both must be specified in

constitution (Only 11 Countries in World).– The term “federal government” refers to the

national, or central government.• On-going struggle for power between states and

federal government.– “all other powers reserved to the states”–Why are powers of federal govt. more narrowly

tailored?

Federalism and Its Alternatives (cont’d)Federalism and Its Alternatives (cont’d)• A Unitary System {most nations in the world}

- Centralized governmental system.- Can create sub-governmental units, but can do

away with at any time.- China, Cuba, France, and North Korea

• A Confederate System- League of independent sovereign states linked

together by a central government that has only limited powers.

- Confederate states of America-Articles of Confederation

Federalism: Federalism: An Optimal Choice For the United States?An Optimal Choice For the United States?

• Advantages of Federalism– Government is closer to the people and allows them

to participate at the local level.– Size of US makes unitary system near impossible.– Provides more outlets for citizen participation.– Allows experimentation with innovative policies and

programs at the state or local level that in turn may serve as models for Federal programs.

– Allows for regional variation based on culture.

Federalism: Federalism: An Optimal Choice For the United States? An Optimal Choice For the United States? (cont’d)(cont’d)• Drawbacks to Federalism

- The smaller the political unit the more likely it will be dominated by a single political group (ex. Segregation in South).

- National powers may be expanded at expense of states.

- States Laws lack uniformity.- States laws can clash with federal laws.- Too many governmental units- There are almost

90,000 local governments in the US.

What is Best System for US: Small Group What is Best System for US: Small Group Activity Activity • Please break up into small groups of 3 students

near where you are sitting.• Within this group each of you needs to make a

case for one of the systems of government we have discussed being the best for the US:• Left (Unitary System)• Middle (Federalism)• Right (Confederate System)

• Take a few minutes to think through your argument and communicate with your group.

I-Clicker Review QuestionI-Clicker Review Question

• Which form of government is utilized most across the globe?

A)Federalism

B)Unitary System

C)Confederate System

Is Federalism a Challenge to Democracy?Is Federalism a Challenge to Democracy?• Hudson argues that Federalism and the

separation of powers system has made the government inefficient, unresponsive, and unaccountable to the public.

• Hudson argues that all of these institutional checks and balances makes government unresponsive to the public and slow moving.• Government cannot enact policies that

majority of public opinion wants.

• Hudson also argues that this divided system makes it difficult for the public to hold elected officials accountable.• Will utilize “spinning to blame each other for

faults and “credit claiming” to take credit for positive outcomes.

• Difficult to determine who is responsible for prosperity or demise.

• Congress and President make policy jointly, but held accountable separately.

• Hudson argues that decline in party strength has increases these issues.

Any Solutions to this Trend?Any Solutions to this Trend?• Move to a unitary system of government

(parliamentary form of government).

• Strengthen political parties by giving parties more control over nominations by eliminating primaries, and making parties differentiate themselves from each other so that citizens can make a sound choice.

• Use Party-slate voting pattern to increase

party strength.

Immigration and FederalismImmigration and Federalism• Is Immigration a Federal or State

Responsibility?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4ltqJ8-FG8&feature=related

Please debate this issue with someone who differs with you on this issue- you may have to move in order to do so.