Federalism Case

1. Provide three (3) examples of how federalism has evolved from its origins to the American political system in place today.

Federalism defines a concept contrary to the federal government that takes all the authority of control. Federalism implies division of command among the levels of government. The central government does not take full control of the relationships of the nation but there is sharing of command between the governments at national and state levels. The Federal association has members from diverse groups represented by their heads and leaders and are held together by a required covenant. (Wilson/Diiulio/Bose,2014)

Before the political system was in place today, the colonies was later formed the United States have their own government and political system based on the traditions and culture of its citizens. Before the alliance, every state exercises its own command governed by laws unique to its citizens that may be not practically relevant to the other states (Bohm & Haley, 2007). The birth of United States as an integrated nation brought changes to the system. Federal government evolved following the creation and implementation of the United States Constitution. The state governments were not abolished with the conference that states will partially lose their sovereignty or independence. (Wilson/Diiulio/Bose,2014)

American Federalism ever since then has been observed constitutionally conceding the national and state governments to apply their exclusive powers but also mandatory to share in other powers. For example, the power to print money, declare war, enter treaties with international government, and handle international affairs has been settled to the federal government (Longley, n.d.). The states could no longer run their own monetary system, declare war, or handle international activities beyond their granted power. The state governments maintain their own powers that include creation of state legislation, conduct state elections and establish local governments, and take charge of issuance of state licenses that include driving and marriage licenses (Longley, n.d.). The shared or coexisting powers include setting up of courts, construction of highways, creation and enforcement of laws, and collection of taxes. Under the coexisting powers, federal and state governments work hand in hand in law enforcements, criminal justice proceedings, and punishment of the offenders in the nation but both respect the jurisdiction boundaries (Cliff Notes, n.d.). State government laws and policies used to oversee the state locals best are created and enforced by the states without the intervention of the federal government unless there is some indication of violation of the US Constitution.

2. Examine three to five (3-5) factors that have allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political behavior.

The US Constitution played major roles in bridging federalism and American political behavior. The tough constitutionalism shaped up the Americans to respect the US Constitution and value democracy, bureaucracy, civil rights, and civil liberty.

From the time of implementation of federal government, politicians started to analyze the limitations of the power of the government. Amendments of the Constitution provided resolution to issues that happen from political arguments and discourses. With sharing of control between the national and state government, the US Constitution stood as the central rule of law. That shaped up the American political ideology of government being ruled by law and not controlled by power of men. The US Constitution became the bases of the constitutionality of the American politics. (Wilson/Diiulio/Bose,2014)

The political system based on federalism promoted enculturation of honor and respect to bureaucracy and democracy in government within the political leaders, the citizens, and the American society. The process increased the awareness of the people to civil rights and liberty. American citizens seek Constitutional security of justice and free will from the governments. Political parties have free will to voice out and support conflicting political agenda, ideas, and ideologies. The conservative groups support the Republicans while the liberals go with the Democrats. The Republicans and Democrats represent the main American political parties along with minor independent parties.

The governments cultivate federalism, the citizens also contribute in shaping up political changes by demanding reforms. Although legislators look upon creation of laws and amendment of Constitution, the citizens participate and have their voices heard. The whole time, Americans demonstrated changes in their voting attitudes. For example, the