Topic > James Bryce and Grodzin's Different Views on Federalism

Bryce and Grodzin have very different views on the separation of federal and state governments. Bryce's simple layer cake vision sees federalism as a machine that neither helps nor hurts the other parts, each piece simply doing its own job. Grodzin sees the issue more complexly and argues that there is no way, in history or in the present, for our government to operate properly without mixing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay James Bryce believes that the best way to operate is to limit interference at different levels. As in a machine, the parts only do their jobs, without assisting or inhibiting other parts. He believes that the best management of states is control of the people, not pressure from above. If something goes wrong, the national government should allow the citizens of the communities to clean up the mess they have created themselves. This divided system does not help solve larger problems efficiently, but it allows for maximum democracy. It leaves larger issues to be addressed by the national government and allows people to govern themselves on issues that affect them more directly, such as civil rights. Grodzin is exactly the opposite. He believes that the best functioning of government occurs when every level participates. His prime example is healthcare, which works simultaneously at the federal, state and local levels. Use this example to show a government institution that operates efficiently and effectively for the good of everyone involved, bringing together powers at every level. This example shows how his mixed federalism can be effective, but it is also an example of removing power from the hands of the people. If people were to decide that the standards to which the healthcare provider held them were not appropriate, they would not be able to completely change the situation. Sanitary power comes from so many different sources that it may be very difficult to regulate. Grodzin describes the difference between these two philosophies using an analogy between a layer cake and a marble cake. He says Bryce's model is like a layer cake, the layers do not interact as they perform their tasks, remaining separate and distinct. No area of ​​government interacts with the other, they simply exercise their authority in their own area without disturbing anyone else. Its model describes a marble cake, the flavors are mixed together and each layer is included in some form in every bite, no matter how small. In his model, powers are fused across levels, completely inseparable. Almost every power is shared in some way, which makes the system efficient if you want it to keep working, but not so much if you want it to change direction. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article template now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Both men have very different views on American federalism, and both are important to understanding it. Although marble cake federalism is the most widely accepted model today, both were logical conclusions and each has its own merits. Both opinions reflect the debates that transformed our government into what we know today.