Introduction
The United States federalism system of government refers to the constitutional division of power between the U.S. state governments and the federal government. Through federalism, the federal government can experiment with different public policies based on their influence on the people at the state level before they are implemented at the national level. Federalism is designed to allow the diversity of political subcultures and ensure stability by permitting the locals to have more direct power over state and local issues (GPB Education). Today citizens at their local level influence state and local education, health, gender identity, environment, immigration, sexual orientation, and reproductive choice, among other issues.
Discussion
State influence on health issues can be understood from the COVID-19 pandemic and local government interventions that create new federalism. For instance, in the case of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan versus National Guard troops, it is clear that state governments have the power to push back against ill-conceived directives from Washington D.C. The Maryland governor championed federalism by leading other counties to develop new competencies, including creating interstate and private-public cooperation schemes (Gustafson). This attempt led county governments to beat the federal government in supplying crucial resources and developing partnerships. American federalism is also in practice today, given the available development within the American heartland leading the anti-Biden backlash through the Republican-controlled states. According to Pilkington, at least nine-republican states have passed laws regarding the enforcement of federal firearms statutes to frustrate the president’s ambition to tackle the upsurge in gun violence in the nation.
The development of unique state laws about social issues targeting minority communities among other groups is common today. For instance, at least 15 states have enacted around 90 measures to restrict access to abortions. An estimated 33 states have also brought down anti-LGBTQ bills, while around five states have allowed their locals to carry firearms without a license (Thrush and Bogel-burroughs). These enactments represent the state movements as laboratories of the U.S. democracy without necessarily risking the entire nation’s democracy. As different political subcultures spread across the U.S. states, this phenomenon can undermine the nation’s stability.
Federalism has allowed state government control over certain federal government directives. As blue and red states rise against each other in support of various national policies, the situation risks the development of conflict and stability of the nation (Brownstein). Instead of tolerating policy experimentation in different jurisdictions, some leaders tend to impose personal policy views on other regions. If this behavior can intensify, it would likely nullify broad-scale policy, thereby threatening stability. For instance, the recent rise of arguments across different states on the issue of immigration, where some states have been termed pro-immigrant sanctuary cities. The confrontation between the leaders leads to policy disruption and disputes, thereby affecting social service delivery among innocent people.
Conclusion
Political subcultures have brought instability to the nation in different ways. For instance, on abortion policy, the supreme court reversal in the Roe versus Wade case returned the issue to the states and changed the politics of the problem. Different forms employed the decision not only to outlaw abortion but also to criminalize actions that assisted those in need of an abortion. The difference in how other states have responded to the aftermath of the case of Roe indicates that federalism is leading the nation into destruction as various forms collide.
Works Cited
GPB Education. “What Is Federalism? | Things Explained.” YouTube, YouTube, Web.
Pilkington, Ed. “’It’s Chilling What Is Happening’: A Rightwing Backlash to Biden Takes Root in Republican States.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, Web.
Brownstein, Ronald. “Watch What’s Happening in Red States.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, Web.
Gustafson, Andrea. “Covid-19 Could Strengthen Federalism in the United States.” Covid-19 Could Strengthen Federalism in the United States, Items, Web.
Thrush, Glenn, and Nicholas Bogel-burroughs. “Why G.o.p.-Led States Are Banning the Police from Enforcing Federal Gun Laws.” The New York Times, The New York Times, Web.