Asked by Navraj Sekhon on May 25, 2024

verifed

Verified

Write an essay that discusses the system of American federalism as spelled out in the Constitution.In your essay,be sure to address the ways in which a federal system differs from a unitary system of government and illustrate this difference with a specific example.What kinds of political cultures tend to adopt federalism?

American Federalism

The division of power between the national government and the individual states in the United States.

Unitary System

A sovereign state governed as a single entity in which the central government is supreme and any administrative divisions (subnational units) exercise only powers that the central government chooses to delegate.

Political Cultures

The deeply rooted norms, values, beliefs, and attitudes that define the relationship between citizens and government within a political system.

  • Explain the system of American federalism and differentiate it from unitary systems, including political cultures that adopt federalism.
verifed

Verified Answer

FM
Fernanda MorenoMay 29, 2024
Final Answer :
There are four components to this question.
a.Describing the American federal system: Though some responsibilities are managed exclusively by the federal government,others are managed exclusively by states.The Constitution also includes concurrent powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments.In practice,many government responsibilities require cooperation among local,state,and federal authorities.
b.Differences between federal and unitary systems: In federal systems,power is constitutionally divided between a central government and regional governments.In unitary systems,the central government makes all important decisions and lower levels of government have little independent power.
c.Example: In a unitary system,the central government might determine the timing,content,and method of school instruction in a way that ensures every child around the country receives exactly the same education.In a federal system,the central government might allow local school districts to determine their own curriculum.
d.The kinds of political cultures that adopt federalism: Nations with diverse ethnic or language groupings are more likely to adopt a federalist system.