Chaper 3: Federalism

1. Is a strong national government necessary or should the state governments have an equal share of power?  Why?

A strong national government is necessary, but the Framers feared a national government with too much power could lead to tyranny. Because of this, a system was established that divides governmental powers, rather than concentrating them in a central government. The Framers decided that Federalism was the best choice for America. The national government and state governments split power so that no one system has too much power over the other. The states derive their authority from the people and reserve powers not outlined to the national government in the Constitution. Both the state and national governments have their own authorities, but in areas that authority is shared, the national government reigns supreme. This system works out because it creates a mostly even distribution of power and keeps conflict to a minimum.

 

2. National power increased during the Great Depression but then power began to shift back to the states (somewhat) during the Reagan administration?  Why did that happen and is that shift appropriate?

During the Great Depression, the people of America wanted the national government to step in and get the economy back in shape. Federal intervention in manufacturing, farming, and many other areas that were normally run by state governments, helped stimulate the economy. This continued beyond World War II with aid to public schools and health care coverage to the poor and elderly. The opposition to national power began with the onset of the civil rights movement. Ronald Reagan was a supporter of the idea of New Federalism, the shifting of power back to the states. He famously said that “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem”. Block grants set fewer restrictions on spending. In 1994, the Contract with America limited powers of the federal government. After September 11, 2001, national power expanded once again, including the No Child Left Behind Act, prescription drug plans, and national standards for driver’s licenses. The shift in power really has a lot to do with whatever trials are going on in the nation at the time. Sometimes states need help financially and sometimes the national government gets too powerful. The shift is appropriate because it goes along with the needs of the country at the time.

 

3. Education stirs much discussion relating to the issue of federalism.  Should the national government regulate education or is it a matter best left to state and local governments?  Why?

The Founders considered educated citizens essential to the survival of the democracy, and they were correct. Educated people are more able to hold leaders accountable and pay attention to the overall responsiveness of the government. Seeing this to be true, it is extremely important to take every step possible to increase the availability and quality of education. Education is included in the reserve powers left to state and local governments. Funding for elementary and secondary education is mostly based on local property taxes, with some assistance from state governments. The federal government only funds about eight percent of all elementary and secondary spending. Because of the disparities in the wealth of communities, the quality of education that is afforded also varies a lot across different areas. I believe the national government should provide more for those areas so that all children have equal opportunities. There are issues with some federal programs, such as No Child Left Behind, because the government sets higher standards for schools across the nation, yet does not provide the funds to do so.  This causes a lot of confusion and controversy. If the national government wants to step in and make our nation more educated they should also take steps to make it happen.