Abstract
This article provides a comparative analysis of dual and cooperative federalism in the context of the United States and Germany. It begins by tracing the historical evolution of federalism in both countries—highlighting the shift from dual to cooperative federalism in the U.S. and the long-standing tradition of cooperative federalism in Germany. The article examines the constitutional frameworks of the U.S. Constitution and the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), and discusses the division of powers and responsibilities between federal and state governments in both systems. Through case studies in healthcare, education, and environmental policy, the article explores how these federal models function in practice. Finally, it considers the broader implications for public law and intergovernmental relations, concluding that while the U.S. grapples with federal-state tensions, Germany’s cooperative federalism fosters more cohesive national policies. This comparative study offers insights into how different federal models address the challenges of modern governance.
Keywords: Federalism, Dual Federalism, Cooperative Federalism, U.S. Constitution, German Basic Law, Healthcare Policy, Education Policy, Environmental Policy, Intergovernmental Relations, Public Law.