I would contend there is a difference between federalization and authoritarianism. Trump is acting like an authoritarian, not a federalist.
The definition of federalism is: "Federalization is the process of integrating a state into a federal system, where a central government controls multiple regions." It is a logical process of adapting a loose republic of 13 original states with a small population into a modern, complex nation of 50 states and over 300 million citizens.
The federal government was originally designed to have Congress, with representation from all states, take the lead in governing and the President simply preside over the actions of the Legislature. From the inception of the nation, there has never been any plan for developing an authoritarian federal executive (monarchy) with powers to unilaterally determine policies for individual states. This is the job of the Legislature, not the Executive Branch.
No, authoritarian Trump is NOT the logical conclusion of federalization but an aberration. An authoritarian presidency is the logical conclusion of a compromised and failed Legislature. The Constitution only provides the Chief Executive temporary enhanced powers in times of war and national emergencies. Of course, one can conclude that a stalemated and dysfunctional Congress is a national emergency, but it is not one a dictatorial President should be empowered to solve unilaterally. Federalization is not ultimately domestic imperialism but a bonding of citizen representatives to achieve common goals for the common good.
This brings up the question of why federalization has reached an impasse. I would suggest it has roots in the Citizens United court ruling giving corporations rights of citizenship. The last election cost over $15.9 billion. Elon Musk alone donated around $300 million towards Trump's election. We are witnessing the logical conclusion of commoditization, not federalization. A billionaire was elected and he is surrounded by other billionaires circumventing congressional controls. Control of Congress now has a price and billionaires/corporations have the cash to pay for favors.
I would contend there is a difference between federalization and authoritarianism. Trump is acting like an authoritarian, not a federalist.
The definition of federalism is: "Federalization is the process of integrating a state into a federal system, where a central government controls multiple regions." It is a logical process of adapting a loose republic of 13 original states with a small population into a modern, complex nation of 50 states and over 300 million citizens.
The federal government was originally designed to have Congress, with representation from all states, take the lead in governing and the President simply preside over the actions of the Legislature. From the inception of the nation, there has never been any plan for developing an authoritarian federal executive (monarchy) with powers to unilaterally determine policies for individual states. This is the job of the Legislature, not the Executive Branch.
No, authoritarian Trump is NOT the logical conclusion of federalization but an aberration. An authoritarian presidency is the logical conclusion of a compromised and failed Legislature. The Constitution only provides the Chief Executive temporary enhanced powers in times of war and national emergencies. Of course, one can conclude that a stalemated and dysfunctional Congress is a national emergency, but it is not one a dictatorial President should be empowered to solve unilaterally. Federalization is not ultimately domestic imperialism but a bonding of citizen representatives to achieve common goals for the common good.
This brings up the question of why federalization has reached an impasse. I would suggest it has roots in the Citizens United court ruling giving corporations rights of citizenship. The last election cost over $15.9 billion. Elon Musk alone donated around $300 million towards Trump's election. We are witnessing the logical conclusion of commoditization, not federalization. A billionaire was elected and he is surrounded by other billionaires circumventing congressional controls. Control of Congress now has a price and billionaires/corporations have the cash to pay for favors.