People who take a “layer cake” view of federalism believe that the federal government and state governments have distinct and separate powers. This view is based on the idea that the Constitution created two sovereign entities, each with its own powers and responsibilities. Proponents of this view argue that the federal government should be limited to those powers that are specifically delegated to it by the Constitution, while the states should retain all other powers.
The “layer cake” view of federalism has been influential in American history. It was the dominant view during the early years of the republic, and it has continued to be a significant force in American politics. However, the “layer cake” view has also been challenged by other theories of federalism, such as the “marble cake” view and the “cooperative federalism” view. These theories argue that the federal and state governments are more interdependent than the “layer cake” view suggests.
