The United States has a federal system of government in which power is shared by national...

The United States has a federal system of government in which power is shared by national and subnational political units. Discuss the evolution of federalism, beginning with the Constitutional foundations of federalism and ending with the current movement. Give an example of a contemporary political issue that illustrates the tension of federalism issues.

Expert Solution

After 1776 for roughly the first 10 years states acted like countries. States could tax each other with import taxes and some refused to pay some taxes to the Federal Government. That is why the Constitution was created. The U.S. was falling apart so they had to make a stronger Federal Government to take control of the states. The 13 colonies had to sign the Constitution to become states starting in 1787. That document is basically what makes states swear allegiance to the US Government.

The 10th Amendment allows the states rights to have Reserved Powers and State Laws. The Elastic Clause in the Constitution however allows the Federal Government to override them, if most politicians in Washington decide that a state is being unreasonably defiant.

The Civil War was the ultimate test of whether states could leave the U.S. voluntarily. When South Carolina announced they were leaving the US Government in 1861, they were followed by other states that wanted Confederate Government again like before the Constitution. Abraham Lincoln ordered a war to bring them back. Many people died for that answer of if a state could leave the U.S. That answer has been 'NO' since 1865.

Today some more modern issues between State and Federal Government are-

Medical Marijuana
Obama care Act
Gun Laws
The 1984 Minimum Drinking Age Act
...and a ton of others...

Mitt Romney and most modern Republicans are Conservatives. This all means they are in favor of a more decentralized, confederate style, state run government that partners with businesses for servicing citizens.

President Obama and most modern Democrats are Liberals. This means they are in favor of a more centralized government, less power for the states, taxing businesses more, spending more tax money back on citizens.

Hayet Jeridi answered 2 years ago

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) is the central bank of the United States with the power...

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) is the central bank of the United States with the power to create money. When the Fed decides to increase the money supply by creating more money, how do they go about doing this? What role do banks play in this process? Where does the money come from to pay for all their purchases?

between the 1870s and the 1930s, the role of the federal government in the United States...

between the 1870s and the 1930s, the role of the federal government in the United States changed tremendously. How and why did the role of the federal government changed? What do you think were the most positive changes? What changes in the government's role made life in the United States worse?

In what ways has the United States Federal Government promoted and prevented the democratic promises of...

In what ways has the United States Federal Government promoted and prevented the democratic promises of “liberty” and “equality” for Americans and the wider world during: The Gilded Age (1865-1900); The Progressive Era & World War I (1890-1920); The Roaring Twenties (1920-1929); The Era of the Great Depression & the New Deal (1929-1932); World War II (1941-1945) and the Cold War Period (1945-1991). -At least three instances in which the United States Federal government took actions that significantly increased the...

Who has more power to regulate business- the states or the federal government? Who should have...

Who has more power to regulate business- the states or the federal government? Who should have more power?

1. In the 1970s, the United States federal government created a Department of Energy. This is...

1. In the 1970s, the United States federal government created a Department of Energy. This is a time when the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) cartel first became prominent. Identify how this action might have impacted the three major macroeconomic goals of our economy. 2. Suppose you live in a community of 100 people where everyone is able and seeks to work. If 80 people are over 16 years old and 72 of them are employed, what is the...

In your opinion, which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power?...

In your opinion, which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power? Defend your answer.

Do you think the current balance of power between the Federal government and the states is...

Do you think the current balance of power between the Federal government and the states is appropriately balanced, or is it imbalanced in one way or the other? Explain why you think so, and, if you think they are imbalanced. Explain in which direction you think they are imbalanced.

In the United States, the federal government pays for a considerably larger share of social welfare...

In the United States, the federal government pays for a considerably larger share of social welfare spending (i.e., spending on social insurance programs to help low-income, disabled, or elderly people) than it does for education spending for grades K–12. Similarly, state and local governments provide a larger share of education spending and a smaller share of welfare spending. Is this a coincidence, or can you think of a reason for why this might be so?

Is the United States and imperialist power? Has the United States grown rich by exploiting other people?...

Is the United States and imperialist power? Has the United States grown rich by exploiting other people? Do American companies engage in fair trade? Has and does the United States use military and political power to force others to exchange products at unfair prices? Is imperialism central to the success of American capitalism?

Under the Constitution and our federal system of government, some powers are reserved for the national...

Under the Constitution and our federal system of government, some powers are reserved for the national government and some for the state governments; and, some are shared. Please tell us about laws and regulations you work with in your daily lives. Try to list some of each. Example -- If we take the bus, the registration and inspection is a state mandate, while the bus construction is a federal mandate, and emissions controls are mandated by the national government, but...

Question