Federalism Questions Medium
Dual federalism, also known as layer cake federalism, is a concept in political science that describes a system of government where power is divided between the national government and state governments, with each level of government having distinct and separate spheres of authority. In this model, the national government is responsible for handling issues of national concern, such as defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce, while the state governments have authority over matters that primarily affect their respective states, such as education, public health, and transportation.
Under dual federalism, the powers and responsibilities of the national and state governments are clearly defined and limited, with little overlap or interference between the two levels of government. This system is based on the idea that the national government and state governments are sovereign in their respective areas of authority, and neither should encroach upon the other's jurisdiction.
Dual federalism was prevalent in the United States during the early years of the nation, particularly from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It was characterized by a strict interpretation of the Constitution, where the national government's powers were limited to those explicitly granted by the Constitution, while all other powers were reserved for the states or the people.
However, over time, the concept of dual federalism has evolved, and the lines between national and state authority have become more blurred. This shift, often referred to as cooperative federalism or marble cake federalism, has seen increased cooperation and collaboration between the national and state governments in addressing complex issues that require joint efforts.
In summary, dual federalism is a system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments, with each level having distinct and separate spheres of authority. It emphasizes the limited powers of the national government and the sovereignty of the states in their respective areas of jurisdiction.