American Federalism December 2024 In Review Nfcommission Gov

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Dec 28, 2025, 5:02 PM

american federalism december 2024 in review nfcommission gov

-Report of the Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, 1955 Happy New Year! We want to thank everyone for their support and for helping us share this monthly newsletter on American federalism. 2024 was a big year for our small team. We have a lot of work to do, and an exciting year ahead as we pull together to find ways to restore a healthy federal balance. December saw a continuation of a few major federalism themes.

Among a number of important items, the incoming Trump administration has pushed forward with the "DOGE" plan to "cut the federal government down to size." The creation of DOGE is just one example of... While not necessarily federalism-related, Congress did manage to pass one piece of bipartisan legislation that drew almost no criticism - a rarity for Washington. On December 24, President Biden signed S.4610, a bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to "designate the bald eagle as the national bird." A number of items were added to the Federalism Policy Tracker. Here is our selection of the top 7 issues affecting states or with implications for American federalism in the last month of 2024: What's new in the American federalism policy world?

Explore the 2025 Federal and State Policy Tracker: "It's true that Republicans have often been more clearly associated with federalism. But both sides are fair-weather federalists. Both sides will, depending on the politics of the moment, prefer state or national power, depending on where they're in control. People ought to have a more enduring commitment to federalism for democratic reasons-that's the aim of my research agenda….I'm delighted to have people come late to the party. And I hope to convince them that this shouldn't be a short-term commitment because they don't like the politics of the moment.

A commitment to federalism should really be a long-term commitment based on the importance of democratic design." The Federalism Index Project at Utah Valley University's Center for Constitutional Studies exists to help educators, state leaders, and ordinary citizens better understand and appreciate the history, meaning, and contemporary relevance of American federalism... Federalism is a dynamic concept, and Federalism Law is inherently complex. But the basic principles of American federalism have not changed dramatically over time. Take a free course on the Principles of Federalism and earn Continuing Legal Education Credit. The online course is divided into six short (10-12 minute) modules.

It is taught by historians, constitutional law professors, and federalism scholars from some of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the country. Credit can be earned in three steps: The Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network released the 2024 Federalism Scorecard —a report that reveals the vulnerability of states to influence by the federal government. Before we get into the details of the report, let’s first explore why federalism matters and how the balance of power in America has shifted away from states and toward Washington, DC Federalism is a system of government—America’s system—where some powers belong to the national government, and some powers belong to state governments. While the federal government plays an important role, the US Constitution reserves significant powers for states and communities—and ultimately, for the American people.

This balance ensures that government remains close to those it serves. However, over the years, power has shifted away from the states and towards the federal government. America’s federalist system, as it was designed, is no longer recognizable. Power has centralized in Washington DC primarily through federal agencies—or government organizations under the Executive Branch that were created to help the president enforce the laws. Think the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While only a handful of agencies existed during America’s early days, that number has increased significantly.

Today, there are over 400federal agencies with thousands of employees. Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it. Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

A deeper view that unites instead of divides, connecting why the story matters to you. Good morning, and welcome back.If you missed Wednesday’s special holiday Daily – a letter from Taylor Luck in Amman, Jordan – you can find it here. Our series of letters resumes today with an offering from Ira Porter, whose recent fellowship took him to Japan for some remarkable reporting and personal reflection. Watch for another letter on Monday. It’s from Ann Scott Tyson in Beijing. And as always, find news briefs and more stories on our homepage.

American Federalism December 2024 In Review Nfcommission Gov

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