States, Communities and American Federalism
Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between the national and the subnational governments where both exercise separate and autonomous authority. Federalism is essential in the essence that it decentralizes powers to many people, thus enhancing democracy. It is critical in increasing participation in the political system at the same time creating efficiency. It is crucial in ensuring policy responsiveness, policy innovation and essential in managing conflict. However, it has faults to the extent that, it can create confusion in case of an action on what level of government to take responsibility. Association with slavery protection and discrimination has also tainted its image. National policies may be obstructed at the same time create inequalities in the nation.
The U.S constitution allocated power among two authorities, the national and state, each of which was to be different from each other. They were mandated to enforce their laws directly to the individuals. However, the constitution denies the national and states some powers to safeguard the rights of citizens. The states have an important role in the formation of the national government. States also have an integral role in constitutional amendments since for any amendment to pass; it will require three-fourths states approval. The power to tax gave federal government ability to raise large sums of money that are used for the general welfare and in defen
ce.
The federal government has gone through various court interpretations on constitutional principles. Federal aid grants have seen it give grants to the states and communities. The controversy of federalism has led to its renewal to devolution where certain functions of the national government are passed down to the state governments. The Supreme Court has reconsidered the American federalism in recent cases. When individuals move from one state to another, interstate federalism is encouraged on the full faith and credit policy. They are not supposed to start a war among themselves and in case of disputes, the Supreme Court is called in to intervene.