Federalism encourages California to experiment and innovate because
Group of answer choices
a. national politicians and parties do not have to iron out every difference on every issue that divides us; these issues are debated in state legislatures, county courthouses, and city halls.
b. by providing numerous arenas for decision making, federalism engages many people in the process of government and helps keep government closer to the people.
c. federalism also provides a training ground for state and local politicians to gain experience before moving to the national stage.
d. if California adopts programs that fail, the negative effects are limited to only that state; if programs succeed, they can be adopted by other states and by the national government.
e. when one political party loses control of the national government, it is still likely to hold office in a number of states and can continue to challenge the party in power at the national level.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. if California adopts programs that fail, the negative effects are limited to only that state; if programs succeed, they can be adopted by other states and by the national government.
Federalism provides a framework where states can act as “laboratories of democracy,” experimenting with policies and programs without risking nationwide failure. California, as one of the most populous and influential states in the U.S., has the capacity to implement bold, innovative policies. These programs are tested within the state, and if they work well, they can serve as models for other states or even the federal government to adopt. This “learning” process is one of the advantages of federalism, as states are free to experiment with a wide range of policies.
If a program fails, the consequences are typically confined to the state, and the federal government is not immediately involved. This limits the potential damage that could occur if the policy was implemented on a national scale. On the other hand, if the program proves successful, other states can examine it, adopt similar approaches, and adapt it to their own needs. The most famous example of this process is California’s environmental policies, which have often set standards that other states later follow or the federal government eventually adopts.
California’s status as an innovator also reflects the flexibility of federalism, where states have the ability to address local concerns with tailored solutions. The ability to experiment and innovate gives states like California the opportunity to meet the needs of their residents while contributing to national policy discussions.