Federalism: Division of Power Among National, State, and Local

Governments

Unitary Government

• System under which all authority is held by a single, national government.

Great Britain: A Unitary GovernmentRegional and local boundaries can be changed by

the British national government at any time.

The United States: A Federal Government

States boundaries cannot be changed without their consent, but city and county boundaries can be

changed by states at any time.

Dual Sovereignty

• A theory of federalism saying that both the national and state governments have final authority over their own policy domains.

Necessary and Proper Clause

• Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to take all actions that are “necessary and proper” to the carrying out of its delegated powers. Also known as the elastic clause.

Commerce Clause

• Constitutional provision that gives Congress power to regulate commerce “among the states.”

Spending Clause

• Constitutional provision that gives Congress the power to collect taxes to provide for the general welfare.

Growth and Decline in Federal Grants to States and Localities

Richer States Get More Per Capita Aid

Domestic Expenditure of Governments

Number of Local Governments, 1942-1997

Evaluations of Federal, State, and Local Governments

States with Divided Governments