U.S. Gov. | Federalism | The Federal System (Morton Grodzins)
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Describe Grodzins "marble cake" descriptions of American federalism.
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The "marble cake" description suggests that the national and state governments are highly intertwined but also interdependent. According to this view, the national government and state governments are not enemies, but rather different levels of government pursuing the same goals. For example, both national and state governments are interested in improving education, protecting the environment, promoting economic growth, and reducing crime.
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Although the nineteenth century is characterized as an era of "dual federalism," in which federal and state functions were fairly clearly separated, Grodzins feels that this is belief is a misnomer. Why?
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Grodzins feels that the idea of dual federalism is a misnomer because, while government activities were not extensive, intergovernmental cooperation still existed similar to how it does today. For example, grants-in-land and grants-in-services were of importance and were given by the national government to the states.
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What are the advantages of a federal system? Disadvantages?
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The advantages of federalism are that state and local governments can help solve problems in ways that best cater to the people of their state, as well as decentralize the government and prevent tyranny by the national government. The disadvantages are that the multitude of state governments can lead to confusion on policy among each other, as well as the overlap of boundaries makes it difficult for both the state and national governments to place blame on failed policies.
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Morton Grodzins argues that federalism is symbolized by:
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A marble cake.
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Morton Grodzins suggests that under federalism:
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Government functions are shared.
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Federalism is characterized by:
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Federal-state-local collaboration.
