Schools politics class: Trump’s show of force in Los Angeles

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Specification:

• Edexcel: Component 3: 1.3 The main characteristics of US federalism: the nature of the federal system of government and its relationship with the states

• AQA: Component 2: 3.2.1.1: The federal system of government; federal state relations

Background: what you need to know

Donald Trump’s dispatch of National Guards to California, followed by marines, to deal with violent resistance to his deportation policy, raises questions about how secure is the principle of federalism. Trump has taken this decision over the objections of the state’s Democratic party governor, Gavin Newsom, raising fears of an over-reach of federal power. This is the first time that this has happened since 1965 and is normally justified only if there is a prospect of insurrection against the government.

Click the link below to read the article and then answer the questions:

Trump’s show of force in Los Angeles

Question in the style of AQA Politics Paper 2

• Explain and analyse three ways in which the concept of federalism has been challenged in recent decades. [9 marks]

Question in the style of Edexcel Politics Paper 3

• Evaluate the view that the US Constitution has been ineffective in protecting the principle of federalism in recent decades. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30 marks] 

  TIP: The clash between the president and the California state governor over the deployment of troops is one challenge to the concept of federalism. Trump has also sought to withhold federal funding from states in pursuit of his policy goals: US judge blocks Donald Trump’s plan to freeze federal grants and loans. It is also worth researching Supreme Court cases that have had an impact on states’ rights, such as the 2013 Shelby County vs Holder ruling on voting rights.

Graham Goodlad, Portsmouth High School