The United States of America is a nation of federalism, meaning that the federal government and the state governments share power and responsibilities. This concept of power-sharing has been enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and is an integral part of the American political system. With federalism, the United States is able to benefit from both the individual states’ and the federal government’s differing perspectives, resources, and approaches.
Recently, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) underscored the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation nominee's shameful approach to cooperative federalism by applauding North Dakota's excellence in implementing the Clean Air Act. He stated that the nominee's approach to cooperative federalism was “inconsistent with the spirit of the Clean Air Act and would harm North Dakota and states across the country.” This is a prime example of how the federal government and the states share power, as the federal government has an overarching role to set national standards while the states have the responsibility to implement those standards.
The federal government also has a role in protecting national security. Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders summed up the state of our union better in one sentence than Biden did in nearly an hour and a half when she said, “Our nation’s security and prosperity depend on a strong partnership between the federal government and the states.” This is indicative of the federal government’s role in providing for the national defense, as well as its ability to deploy resources to states in times of need.
The federal government also has a role in regulating gun laws. While the federal government largely sets the standards for gun control, the states are responsible for enforcing those laws, as well as establishing their own laws in areas where the federal government has not. As such, states have a large role in regulating gun law, but ultimately, the federal government has the final say.
The federal government also has a role in international affairs. The U.S. government has the power to enter into treaties and international agreements and to make decisions that affect the entire country. As such, the federal government has the power to shape foreign policy and to engage in diplomacy with other countries.
When it comes to free speech, there is a fascinating conservative-liberal divide on two important procedural norms — federalism and free speech. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a conservative Congresswoman from Georgia, has called for a “national divorce.” She believes that separating the red and blue states and shrinking the federal government would be beneficial for the country. However, this sentiment is not shared by all, as some believe that America needs more federalism, not a “national divorce.”
Ultimately, federalism is an important part of the American political system and allows for the federal government and the states to share power and responsibilities. It enables the United States to benefit from different perspectives, resources, and approaches while also protecting national security and regulating gun laws. The federal government also has a role in international affairs and free speech, allowing it to shape foreign policy and engage in diplomacy. Federalism is an integral part of the American political system and is something that all Americans should be aware of and understand.
