Federalism and the Separation of Powers

Question

Description

**** Please refer to the files I have attached. Also, please cite the class slides at least once in the essay.*****

Prompt: “Federalism offers endless opportunities for confusion and discord, as different layers of government tussle over who has responsibility for what. However, there are well-defined patterns to this contest. Americans have hammered out rules that enable our federalist system to function pretty well – most of the time.”n

Your analysis may want to consider:

(a) how federalism distributes power between the national and state governments; (b) the Supremacy Clause and how national law is supreme over state laws; (c) the Commerce Clause and whether national law is limited to certain listed powers; and (d) how national and state governments have exerted power over certain subject matters, such as education. When you write your essay, you are free to limit your analysis to particular topics such as: (i) whether a state law permitting recreational marijuana is consistent with or contrary to federalism; or (ii) whether cities that declare themselves to be “sanctuary cities” for illegal immigrants are acting consistently with or contrary to federalism.

It is very important that your essay be something more than a statement of your opinions. Your analysis and any conclusions you reach should be supported by examples that you get from in-class discussions, from assigned readings, or that you find on your own. Remember, any conclusions or opinions you state are not nearly as important as your examples and analysis.