What is federalism? Identify and describe the types of federalism that have evolved in the United States in terms of policymaking. Describe how does federalism affects policymaking in the modern political environment.

What will be an ideal response?

Federalism is the constitutional allocation of governmental powers between the federal and state governments. Students should identify and define layer cake federalism, marble cake federalism, picket fence federalism, and intergovernmental relations (IR). IR is a better explanation of federalism in the modern political environment. IR is more oriented toward administrative issues; more functionally specific and lacks coherence that might result if higher political officials were obliged to be involved in the principal decisions; without the mechanisms that could generate effective policy control and coordination. Students should conclude with discussion of how IR has led to increased centralization of federal control through grant processes, regulation, and mandates.