Federalism and Federalism and Public PolicyPublic Policy

““State”-side …State”-side …• Direct DemocracyDirect Democracy

– Initiative, referendum, recallInitiative, referendum, recall• ““Nullification”: states declares null and void federal law they Nullification”: states declares null and void federal law they

believe violates the Constitution believe violates the Constitution – Civil War - states cannot nullify federal lawCivil War - states cannot nullify federal law– Obamacare referendumsObamacare referendums

• Dual federalism: both national and state governments are Dual federalism: both national and state governments are supreme in their own spheressupreme in their own spheres– ““State Sovereignty” - State can do what is not prohibited by the State Sovereignty” - State can do what is not prohibited by the

Constitution or preempted by federal policyConstitution or preempted by federal policy

• States as laboratories of democracyStates as laboratories of democracy– Voting at 18; women’s suffrage; prohibitionVoting at 18; women’s suffrage; prohibition

Trickle-down PoliticsTrickle-down Politics• Commerce PowerCommerce Power

– Civil Rights LegislationCivil Rights Legislation– Federal AidFederal Aid

• Pre-emption (restraints Pre-emption (restraints and mandates)and mandates)– Nutrition labelingNutrition labeling– No Child Left BehindNo Child Left Behind– Due processDue process

Access to GovernmentAccess to Government

• BureaucracyBureaucracy

– TechnocracyTechnocracy

• Differences Differences between Statesbetween States

– ““Red” and Red” and “Blue” States“Blue” States