Problem: Why do lawmakers at the state level blame lawmakers at the federal level for inaction on certain policies?
- States are not obligated to act when it is possible that the federal government may have a say.
- Under federalism, it is up to the federal government to pass down laws to be implemented by states.
- Federalism requires that all state lawmakers receive permission from the federal government to act.
- It can sometimes be unclear who has the authority to act in some policy areas under federalism.