Consensus Theory vs. Conflict Theory
             Consensus and conflict theories are two major different views that many have on the United States federal system. A federal system is a system of government in which power is divided between central authorities and designated political units. Consensus theory argues that our federal system promotes a fair balance of power and accountability among the branches of government. Thus, increasing society's chance to influence governmental policies and maximizing individual and community decisions. While conflict theory argues that the wealthy society's interests are protected under the federal system. Strengthening the upper class and limiting majority rule. American society appears very unclear on where they stand on these two theories.
             Throughout the history of the development of federalism I believe the consensus theory has been in effect. Values such as peace, security, liberty, democracy, improvement, effectiveness and fairness have long been connected with the thought of federalism. These typical American values are not easily organized under the requirements of federalism because of new conditions and the tradeoffs necessary for balancing opposing values. During the great depression the U.S. was standing at the edge of a million foot cliff. With much of the American society unemployed and the U.S. economy on the downfall, the federal government was forced to make drastic changes in order to stop this collapse. President Franklin helped to change the federalist government and push it in the right direction, by setting up employment agencies in order to make sure this would not happen again in the future. This is a prime example of how consensus theorists believe that our federal system promotes a fair balance of power and helps to give individuals opportunities to influence the government. Although in this situation they did not choose to alter the government, they helped to ...