The Evolution of Federalism in American Politics

The Evolution of Federalism in American Politics

I. Introduction

A. Introducing Federalism

1. Purpose of this Paper - The purpose of this research paper is for the reader to obtain a better understanding of the purpose of federalism in the United States government, and its benefits on society; and for the reader to consider the different forms of federalism, which evolved throughout the country's history.

2. Structure - This research paper will define federalism, the purpose of federalism and its benefits, compare the different forms of federalism present throughout the history of the U.S. government, and how it evolved from its earliest form over time.

II. Defining Federalism

A. Definition of Federalism

B. Purpose of Federalism

1. Autonomy of Political Subunits

2. National vs. State vs. Local governments

a. Necessary and Proper clause, Article I, Section 8

b. National Supremacy clause, Article VI

c. Powers reserved to the states (10th Amendment & 11th Amendment)

III. Comparison of the different forms of Federalism

A. Earliest presence of Federalism in the U.S. Government

1. Dual Federalism - McCulloch v. Maryland

2. Dred Scott v. Stanford 1857

3. Baron v. Baltimore

4. Gibbons v. Ogden

B. Cooperative Federalism

1. Definition of cooperative federalism

2. Presence in early 20th century

C. Picket Fence Federalism

E. Coercive Federalism

F. New Federalism with Richard Nixon

IV. How Federalism Affects People in American Society

A. Impact of Federalism on Recent Decisions of the Supreme Court

1. Printz v. United States (1997)

2. U.S. v Lopez - commerce clause

3. Social Welfare and Environmental Policy

V. Evolution of Federalism throughout the History of American Politics

A. Federalism Today

B. Cooperative Federalism living through fiscal federalism

C. New Federalism with policy