Supreme Court & Federalism
Instructions
· Provide a Biblically based support for your analysis
· Sources must be derived from Read items assigned for the Module: Week in which the Case Study is assigned, peer-reviewed journal articles, and your independent research.
· All citations and format must be in current APA format
· Include 8 – 10 sources, not including your Biblical analysis
· Double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, written in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Paper must be 8-10 pages
Case Study: The Supreme Court, Federalism, and Public Administrators Assignment
Christensen and Wise (2009) state,
[t]he U.S. Supreme Court has come to play an important role in articulating that system of rules. The Supreme Court’s federalism decisions are especially important in understanding what powers public managers [must] achieve policy priorities in the current context of devolved government.
For this Case Study Assignment, you will provide a scholarly paper concerning the effect of recent Supreme Court decisions on public administration and federalism.
Supreme Court & Federalism
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How have recent Supreme Court rulings influenced federalism in public administration?,
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What effects do these decisions have on the powers and responsibilities of public managers?,
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Which cases illustrate changes in state–federal power dynamics?,
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How can public administrators adapt to federalism realignment?,
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What biblical principles support cooperation and authority in government roles?
Analysis: Supreme Court Decisions, Federalism & Public Administration
1. Influence on Federalism
Supreme Court decisions in recent years have significantly reshaped federal–state authority. Rulings such as NFIB v. Sebelius and Murphy v. NCAA reaffirm the limits of federal coercion, reinforcing state autonomy. These trends require public administrators to better navigate decentralized authority, seek state resources, and align local policies with both constitutional and interstate considerations.
2. Impact on Public Managers’ Roles
Public administrators must now operate in a more fragmented regulatory environment. As Christensen & Wise (2009) note, devolution places greater responsibility on state and local actors to achieve policy priorities. This requires strategic grant acquisition, multi-jurisdictional coordination, and flexibility to comply with varying federal directives.
3. Illustrative Case Examples
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NFIB v. Sebelius (2012): Limited the federal government’s ability to compel states to expand Medicaid, reinforcing states’ choice in major social programs.
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Murphy v. NCAA (2018): Eliminated federal ban on state-regulated sports betting, affirming the “anti-commandeering” doctrine and enhancing state legislative authority.
These cases showcase how the Supreme Court constrains federal mandates, thereby expanding the policymaking space for states.
4. Adaptation Strategies for Public Administrators
To operate effectively, managers should:
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Leverage intergovernmental grants and block funding, reducing reliance on federal stipulations.
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Build policy networks with neighboring jurisdictions to address regional challenges.
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Readings
https://www.jstor.org/stable/40468971?saml_data=eyJpbnN0aXR1dGlvbklkcyI6WyJjNGZjMjNmMC01MDQzLTRiOWMtYjgzNS0wZTBkZDBhMDA2MjMiXSwic2FtbFRva2VuIjoiNTBlYTdkOGUtNWQxMy00MzEyLWE3OGYtZjhmMDgzYTIyMjQ1In0&seq=1
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