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American Federalism in 1990s.
While
it would be an overstatement to suggest that the average American has a
clear concept of meaning of federalism in 1994, there is some evidence
than issues, involving locus of governmental power are important to
many. For example, polling organizations frequently ask citizens -
which level of government most enjoys their trust and confidence. The
results consistently indicate, that people trust their local
governments most and their national government least. The states drift
along in the middle. So, most Americans view local government the most
favorably.
However, as is the case in most areas of our political
life, attitudes change significantly when citizens are faced with
specific issues. Even though Americans appear to be committed to
federalism in the abstract, they always seem to have lengthy list of
problems which they want the federal government because state and local
governments have failed to resolve them, or a list of services which
are perceived as poorly provided or not provided at all. It is common
for individuals and groups to respond to such perceptions by demanding
that the national government create new standards or mandates or
provide direct or indirect expenditures of money. Sometimes, they seek
both. |