Florida’s Federalism and the American Federation
Since the founding of the Republic, the advantages and disadvantages associated with federalism has been a topic of discussion. This essay will examine two advantages of federalism and two disadvantages. Webster’s Dictionary defines Federalism as an arrangement of government that allows entities such as provinces or states to share authority with the national government. I think that the federal, as well as the state governments, have similar powers, with the federal having more. The Constitution demonstrates this, as it grants broad powers to the federal, but not state, government. It was decided to distribute power this way when the Articles of Confederation were in place. The Supremacy Claim, a key part of the Constitution, ensures that the federal governments always has more power.
As a native Floridian and American, I have a strong connection to Florida. Federalism is an important part of my life. Many people in the United States feel the exact same way. Federalism also benefits local and state officials, who are more aware of issues in their own areas. This makes it easier and more efficient for them choose laws and to veto those that solve problems. Federalism is a way for states to be models for other state, and to learn what works. California is often the leader in environmental regulation. Californian measures are adopted by many other states. Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson’s welfare experiments in the 1990s influenced federal policy reform. (SparkNotes) Federalism also helps the federal governments focus on more important issues. Federalism is wonderful because it encourages individuals to seek out local government positions.
Federalism has its advantages and disadvantages. Federalism can have some disadvantages, such as the lack of national policies. This means that each state has their own policy. It can cause confusion in law. Federalism can also be a problem because it blurs the lines between national and state government. Most people don’t vote for state government positions but they should.
It is not possible to ensure that all 50 states will be in agreement with the laws of a federal government. Federalism is important because of this. Federalism helps to maintain unity among states, as it allows each state to have a degree of autonomy. Florida is given the authority to control crime and punishments as well as healthcare and environmental laws. Federalism is demonstrated in the laws of each state that deal with local endangered animals. Chapter 68A27 of Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 68A, protects the gopher tortoises. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permits are required before gophers tortoises may be moved. The federal agency probably doesn’t have the time or resources to oversee and document each and every species of endangered animal in each state. For this reason, state governments are important. State governments are local and can address local issues, which are often just as significant as federal issues.
Immigration is a very important issue for federalism. Florida is home to the second largest immigrant population of the United States, at 19 percent. Immigration in Florida is a contentious issue. Federal or state policy? Immigration enforcement is at risk of conflict between different policymaking agencies due to the lack coordination. This can result in confusion among immigrants regarding which policy will prevail. The overlapping authority of enforcement also limits localities in their efforts to balance the commitment to community police with enforcement options. This gives officers a lot of discretion” (Ciano). Many issues in Florida are caused by this confusion. The issue of immigration in Florida also involves two migrants who were overstaying their visas and went to college in America. They then tried to earn their law degree, causing uproar. The federal government is blocking both young men from obtaining bar licenses on the basis that they are not allowed to work and therefore no public money should be spent to support their professional licensing. Federal law codifies 8 U.S.C. SS1621, that prohibits states to issue a law licence to an “illegally residing alien”, because federal legislation limits the categories who are eligible for a professional license provided “…by appropriated state funds” (Ciano). The federal government and state disagreed on the jurisdiction of this case.
Federalism has many advantages and disadvantages. Florida, for example, is a huge state that has a lot of internal issues. These can be handled by the state laws. Problems arise, however, when the boundaries between state and national jurisdictions are blurred. The state government can cater to local needs and concerns. Federalism, while still favoring the federal government in the United States of America, continues to guarantee liberty.
