Final answer:
Federalism and the separation of powers influence environmental policy making in the U.S. by dividing responsibilities between the federal and state governments while allowing for cooperation and overlap, with the U.S. Supreme Court often determining the balance of this power distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Federalism and Separation of Powers in U.S. Environmental Policy Making
Federalism in the United States defines the relationship between the national government and state governments, with a division and sharing of powers. Environmental policy making, like other policy areas, is subject to this federal structure, often experiencing shifts in the balance of power between federal and state authorities over time. The Constitution provides a general framework for this balance, leaving specific policies and contingencies to be worked out by current officials within the established federal system.
The concept of dual federalism is characterized by clear division of responsibilities between the national and state governments. However, over time, this has evolved into forms like cooperative federalism, where there is more overlap and cooperation in policy areas. The elastic clause and the full faith and credit clause are constitutional provisions that grant certain powers to the federal government while also respecting states' powers. Furthermore, federal fiscal policies, such as block grants and mandates, are instruments through which the federal government can influence state policy decisions.
Political scientist Richard Neustadt noted that the separation of powers created by the U.S. Constitution encourages cooperation among the branches of government, rather than granting them full autonomy. This cooperative nature underpins intergovernmental relationships within the environmental policy sector and other areas of governance. The U.S. Supreme Court plays a central role in interpreting how power should be divided, thereby affecting the dynamic between federal and state powers in environmental policy and beyond.