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.

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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 1 year ago

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