Federalism under Bush

During the Bush Administration of 2001-2009, Federalism changed mainly as a result of events.

Despite being a Republican, federal government spending rose by 33% from 2001 to 2005. Bush’s actions were controlled by external events such as the September 11 attacks which led to the creation of the Department for Homeland Security and increased funds available for defence of the United States. In addition to this, the US had wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan leading to a large increase in government spending.

Domestically, Bush also presided over an increase in government spending with expansions of Medicare and Education funding as a result of the No Child Left Behind education reform act. Finally, the Wall Street and Banking Collapse marking the start of the Great Recession 2008 saw government intervention in the economy increase. This reasserts the power of the Federal Government at the expense of the states.