Overview of the Topic
This article considers the issue of the effective distribution of powers between the central and federal administrations. Significant measures that contributed to the centralization of state regulatory powers occurred between 1965 and 1980. Although managing a large state without granting local authority effectively is complicated, this is why Madison argued for a balance of power. The paper examines the debate over the authority of national and federal governments (Derthick, 1987). Thus, it shows the division of powers between the national and federal administrations in 1965-1980 and the current debate.
Key Points and Lessons
The article highlights crucial aspects such as creating joint programs and providing recommendations to the federal government for their implementation. However, the deficient execution of the programs may have been a loss of funding from the central government, which caused dissatisfaction locally. Therefore, litigation arose concerning the right to mistake and federal interests. In this way, even with limited power, the federal government struggled with the expanded authority of the central government, which was contrary to the Constitution. There is also a key point about the involvement of the courts, which have often sided with the central government on this issue (Derthick, 1987). The current debate varies in its views on the distribution of powers but maintains that it values freedom and democracy.
Questions
Which powers have federal governments now, and how are they subordinate to the central authorities? Is it reasonable to reduce state budgets if the government’s instructions are not followed or partially implemented?
Discussion
It is essential to discuss such a socially significant problem as the right to abortion should be regulated by acts of the federal or national authority to agree on a single policy. At the same time, it should be debated which areas of influence need to be referred to as national jurisdiction and which are better addressed according to the requirements of a particular state.
Reference
Derthick, M. (1987). American federalism: Madison’s middle ground in the 1980s. Public Administration Review, 47(1), 66-74.