Federalism

Commerce Clause

Jun 21, 1778

This is an increase in federal power. It allowed the federal government to control interstate trade. It also allowed the federal government to control trade between the US and other nations.

Articles of Confederation

Mar 1, 1781

This is in the favor of state power. It created a loose union between the states but allowed them to basically do their own thing. The fed had no power to mint or start an army, or control trade between states.

Constitutional Convention

May 25, 1787

This is an increase in federal power. Got rid of the articles of confederation which guaranteed more states rights. Introduced contitution with strong federal government.

Supremecy Clause

Jun 21, 1788

This is an increase in federal power. Deemed all federal laws to be supreme. Took away right for state laws to supercede government laws.

10th Ammendment

Jun 21, 1788

This is an increase in state power. It gave all rights not delegated to the federal government to the states. Gave the states a large amount of power.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Mar 6, 1819

This is in favor of federal government power. Maryland was taxing an out of state bank. The US government decided to supercede this law.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Mar 3, 1824

This is an increase in federal power. It gave the federal government the right to regulate interstate trade. This gave more power to the fed because it allowed control of the states and commerce between them

Civil War

Apr 12, 1861

This was a win for federalism. Individual states wanted to break away. The federal government waged a war and regained power over them.

Formation of Land-Grant Colleges

Sep 11, 1862

This is an increase in state power. Federal land was given to the states to start agricultural colleges. These colleges are then funded and controlled by the states.

14th Ammendment

Jul 9, 1868

This is an increase in federal power. Gave everyone equal protection under the law and denied removal of rights without a trial. Did not allow the southern states to be as harsh on blacks.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Jun 30, 1906

This is an increase in federal power. It created a federal agency (the FDA) to allow for the control of drugs. States no longer set the standards for these operations.

16th Amendment

Feb 3, 1913

This is an increase in federal power. It gave the federal government the right to levy an income tax. Created more funds for the federal governement.

Gitlow v. New York

Jun 8, 1925

This gave power to the states by allowing their courts to deem what was treason. The states were now able to continue imprisoning "communist sympathizers". This weakened the power of the first ammendment.

The New Deal

Jan 1, 1933

This is a federal power increase. It gave the govenment power to create new jobs and give handouts to those in need. Federal money was spent in order to fund these programs

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Jul 2, 1964

This is an increase in federal power. It superceded the states right to choose what rights people had. It created federal enforcement for this act.

Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States

Dec 14, 1964

This is in favor of state power. The supreme court ruled that the Civil Rights act extended to private businesses. This further extended the power of the US and the Civil Rights Act of 1964

State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act

Jan 1, 1972

This is an increase in state power. It was part of the new federalism devolution. It gave states and municipalities money to do their own thing.

Roe v. Wade

Jan 2, 1973

Increase in federal power. This gave one grand federal ruling on the issue of abortion. No longer allowed individual states to decide.

Election of Ronald Reagan

Nov 4, 1980

Although a proponent of small government Reagan actually increased the federal government's size. He added new programs like Star Wars, hired more federal employees, and tripled the national debt.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Jul 26, 1990

This is an increase in federal power. It allowed the federal government to enforce rules reguarding Americans with disablities. It created rules for employer and public accomodation.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey

Jun 29, 1992

This ended in a continuation of federal power being upheld. An individual state tried to do things against Roe v. Wade. These were proven unconstitutional and federal power reigned supreme.

104th Congress

Jan 3, 1995

This is an example of an increase in federal power. The president gained a lot of power over the senate with line-item vetoing and executive order. This took power away from the states in the form of congress.

United States v. Lopez

Apr 26, 1995

This is an increase in federal power. It reduced the power of congress to control commerce. It ruled that congress had no power to deal with things that did not directly relate to congress.

Printz v. United States

Jun 27, 1997

This is an increase in state power. Federal regulation was struck down. States were then allowed to make decisions reguarding guns and background checks.

No Child Left Behind Act

Jan 8, 2002

The no child left behind act increased federal power. It allowed for the federal government to set standards for testing. If schools did not meet these standards the federal government would revoke funds.