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Dual Vs Cooperative Federalism Essay

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Federalism is an important part of the way our government runs. Federalism is the system in which power is divided between two levels of government, national and state. This dual system was created for one important reason; so no one government holds more power in hopes to preserve liberty. Each level has its own role, the national level authorizes certain areas of governance while the state level has power with prospective jurisdiction. “The united states established the first federal system, and about two dozen countries today have one.”(We the People, Pg 63.) But, there are many different types of federalism that all run in their own specific ways. Two include Dual and Cooperative federalism.
The first kind of federalism that continues …show more content…

This model is closely related to dual federalism, while dual federalism shows how the two (State and National) have two separate powers but work together, cooperative federalism is where the state has to meet national goals. Mary Hallock Morris says, “Cooperative federalism is a model of intergovernmental relations that recognizes the overlapping functions of the national and state governments.” (Cooperative Federalism, paragraph 1.) This means that this model of federalism shares power between national and state responsibilities. While dual federalism relies on the division of power, cooperative federalism relies deeply on the supremacy clause and necessary and proper clause. The supremacy clause is the act where national law is over state law if the national government is acting within its limits. While the proper clause, “allows the national government to make laws that are essential to carrying out the government’s inherent powers.”(Morris, Cooperative Federalism, paragraph 3.) This kind of federalism acts well when it comes to organizing the interests of the public. “Bureaucratic agencies at the national and state level normally carry out governmental programs jointly.”(Morris, Cooperative Federalism, Paragraph 2.) This example is stating that the split between National and state responsibilities helps influence policies that citizens need, but are still working together in the process. The fact that the government’s responsibilities are split between levels of government, allows an easier access point for citizens to get necessary needs quicker. This is shown in action when it comes to criminal law. Drug and gun possession is too much for law enforcement to take on by themselves, by setting policies into place the national government is able to work together with the state. Even though Cooperative Federalism is closely related to dual federalism many differences come out of

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