Question: 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.