Federalism has evolved over the course of American history. At different points in time, the balance and boundaries between the national and state government have changed substantially. In the twentieth century, the role of the national government expanded dramatically, and it continues to expand in the twenty-first century.
A constituent is a person who authorizes another to act in his or her behalf, as a voter in a district represented by an elected official.
Advocacy is the backing, or promotion of something or someone; public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
The growth of the federal government began with the Presidency of Franklin Roosevelt. To help combat the Great Depression, Roosevelt developed his "New Deal Plan" that widened government jobs and updated existing ones. The United States emerging as a military power after World War II also had an effect on the federal government. The government widening has had an effect on how government officials gain constituent support on this new wide variety of leaders through not only phone calls, in person meetings, and letters, but also through technology such as paid radio and television advertisements, news-broadcasts and press conferences, email, and social media. Through technological advances, federal government growth has the power to reach wider audiences.
In the event a governor dies, resigns or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor usually will become governor. In 25 states, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected on the same ticket, making sure that they come from the identical political party.
