Chapter 4

            In Chapter 4, it talks about the models of U.S. federalism which are the layer-cake model, the marble-cake model, and the picket-fence model. The layer-cake model was used to characterize relations within the federal system. Its emphasis was on the division of powers between the national and state levels which led into dual federalism later on in the years. It is called the layer cake model because each level has certain authority and it emphasizes each level’s distinctiveness.

            The marble-cake model was used during the time cooperative federalism developed. The marble cake model is named so because like marble cake, the distinctions are blurred and it is difficult to say where one “flavor” (the national government) ended and the other “flavor” (the state and local levels of government) began. Its focus was more so on the separation of government structures than the programmatic functions.

            The last model, the picket-fence model, connects all three levels of government (state, local, and national) through one centralized form of government. The bureaucrats in the different levels interact more often with those of other levels than with those of the same level of government.

            This chapter also talks about the different approaches to federalism. These approaches are dual federalism, cooperative federalism, creative federalism, new federalism, and renewed federalism. I never knew there were so many different forms of federalism. Dual federalism is when each level of government was viewed as supreme within its areas of responsibility and limited intergovernmental funding. Cooperative federalism emphasized national, state, and local governments cooperating with each other to solve problems. Creative federalism included partnerships with businesses and nonprofit social organizations. New federalism returned more autonomy to states and put more focus on block grants than project or categorical grants. Renewed federalism emphasized things such as individual rights, limited government, and economic capitalism.

            This chapter talks about many different ways and possibilities that were and can be used to help our government work best for the betterment of our nation and our people.