Essay about Mandates and Federalism, from AP Government class. Great analysis with bibliography.

<Tab/>Over the last twenty-five years, federalism has transformed due to the increase in federal mandates on state and local governments. Federalism refers to a political system in which there are local units of government, as well as a national government, that can make final decisions with respect to at least some governmental activities, and whose existence is protected. When the Framers devised this political system their goal was to protect …

…as a result of mandates. They had an impact on the devolution revolution, which for some time had shifted responsibilities to the states , giving them more power and involvement in policies. However, with mandates, the power was shifted back the federal government, the supreme. <Tab/>Bibliography Wilson American Government http://www.icanonline.net/news/fullpage.cfm/articleid/6CAEB15E-3A1A-4743-8BCCD55D82731B98/cx/issues.stay_informed/article.cfm