Understanding the U.S. Federal System: An Overview for Humphrey Fellows

The Humphrey Fellows 2024/2025 from American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL), alongside their Community Hosts, visited the iconic Capitol Building, the seat of the United States Congress.

Introduction

On the 3rd of September, 2024, participants of the Humphrey Fellowship engaged in a virtual session arranged by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The session was dedicated to delving into the intricacies of the U.S. federal system. The primary aim of the webinar was to provide fellows with an in-depth comprehension of the U.S. governance structure, thereby furnishing them with valuable knowledge for their fellowship year and future pursuits. Titled "Introduction to the U.S. Federal System," the session was conducted by Ms. Amy Nemith of IIE. It featured an extensive presentation by Mr Akram Elias, a renowned figure in U.S. politics, governance, and culture.

About the Esteemed Speaker: Mr Akram Elias

Mr. Akram Elias has devoted his extensive career to fostering cultural and governmental comprehension. He routinely delivers expert briefings on American government, politics, and society to international dignitaries visiting the U.S. through exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, notably the distinguished Humphrey Fellowship Program.

Akram boasts an impressive academic background. He holds a Master’s in International Service from American University, a Graduate Certificate in International Finance from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland. His professional endeavours have enabled him to engage with global leaders, offering them the essential perspectives to comprehend and navigate the U.S. federal system. His profound expertise in U.S. governance, fused with a fervour for diplomacy and international relations, renders him an exemplary guide for this session.

In his introductory remarks, Akram accentuated the significance of this briefing for Humphrey Fellows, underscoring that a robust understanding of the U.S. federal system is pivotal for navigating the professional terrain in the United States and for extrapolating applicable insights to governance challenges in other nations.

Key Takeaways from the Briefing: The U.S. Federal System

The session provided a comprehensive overview of how the U.S. federal system functions, emphasizing its decentralized structure and the balance of power between the federal, state, and local governments. Here are the key topics covered:

1. Government: Understanding the U.S. Structure

Akram started by breaking down the basic government definition in the U.S. context. Unlike many countries, where a single head of government oversees all governance matters, the U.S. operates under a system of separation of powers, dividing responsibilities between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This structure is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring a system of checks and balances that maintains democratic governance.

He also noted that the U.S. government is not a singular entity but rather a collection of various departments and agencies that handle different aspects of public policy, akin to ministries in a parliamentary system.

2. Federalism: A Unique Balance of Power

One of the most critical aspects of U.S. governance is federalism. The U.S. operates under a federal system, which means power is divided between the federal government and the individual states. Akram explained that the Constitution grants certain powers to the federal government, such as national defence, foreign policy, and interstate commerce, while reserving many other powers for the states. This balance allows states to have significant control over issues like education, transportation, and local law enforcement, making the U.S. a union of states rather than a centralized national government.

Each of the 50 states operates under its own constitution and legal system, allowing for a wide range of policies and laws that may differ from state to state. This diversity in governance can be seen in issues such as the death penalty, which is legal in some states but prohibited in others.

3. Three-Way Public-Private Partnership

A critical component of the U.S. federal system is the partnership between the government, civil society, and the private sector. Akram described this as a “three-legged stool,” where each leg must work in balance with the others for the system to remain stable:

• Government: Acts as one leg of the stool, responsible for creating and implementing public policy.

• Civil Society: Independent organizations and advocacy groups that address societal issues and hold the government accountable.

• Private Sector: Businesses and economic entities contributing to job creation and service provision play a crucial role in innovation and public policy.

Akram emphasized that if one leg of this stool becomes too powerful, the system’s balance is threatened, and adjustments must be made to ensure equilibrium.

4. The Role of Civil Society

U.S. civil society plays a significant role in governance, often acting as an intermediary between the government and the people. Akram highlighted that civil society organizations, including professional associations and advocacy groups, are crucial in shaping policy and addressing local issues. For example, neighbourhood associations in cities like Seattle often engage with local governments to influence infrastructure development and public safety decisions.

Civil society also functions as a critical player in advocacy and lobbying. Advocacy educates government officials about specific issues while lobbying exerts pressure to push for certain decisions. Public hearings are common venues where civil society presents its views, influencing policymaking at both the state and federal levels.

5. The Private Sector’s Role in Governance

In the U.S., the private sector is a significant driver of economic growth and job creation. Akram explained how the government collaborates with private businesses to spur innovation and address public needs. Technological advancements such as the Internet and companies like Tesla and SpaceX demonstrate how public investment in research and development can lead to significant private sector breakthroughs.

The private sector is also subject to regulation, ensuring businesses operate responsibly while contributing to societal goals. In the case of market failures, such as financial crises or pandemics, the government intervenes to stabilize the economy.

6. Federalism’s Purpose and Structure

The U.S. federal system is organized into three levels of government: federal, state, and local. Each level has its own responsibilities:

• Federal Government: Manages national and international affairs, such as national defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce.

• State Governments: Each state handles domestic issues like education, transportation, and law enforcement.

• Local Governments: Over 89,000 local entities manage community-specific issues, including public safety, zoning, and public services.

Akram emphasized that this bottom-up structure allows for flexibility and experimentation, with states often serving as “laboratories” for policies that could be adopted at the national level.

Conclusion

This briefing provided Humphrey Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. federal system, highlighting the balance of power between government, civil society, and the private sector. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for international professionals, especially those working in governance, to navigate their fellowship year and apply these lessons to their home countries.

As Mr. Akram Elias noted, the U.S. federal system offers valuable insights into how decentralized governance can foster innovation, protect individual rights, and create a vibrant economy. Engaging with civil society and the private sector will be essential as fellows develop their leadership skills during the fellowship.