Chapter 3

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

I believe, for the most part, that states should have an equal share of power. People who have too much power tend to abuse it and take advantage of others. With an equal amount of power this can not happen as they will keep each other in check. Also, if the states do no have much power then I believe that the citizens in general will not have as much voice in political matters. Besides that, the national government can not possibly know what is best for every state. Each individual state knows what is best for it when making most political decisions.

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?

To help the economy in the Depression, the government begin to take on more responsibilities that originally were left up to the states. People in general began to believe that the national government had too much power over the states. At the time it was needed but once the economy recovered, those powers/responsibilities could and should have been given back.

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?

In my opinion, the national government should do more to regulate education. It would ensure that students across America are more equally educated. State and local governments do not always have enough funds to properly educate their students and should receive more help. The national government tends to put a strong emphasis on education and therefore, should help ensure that anyone willing to receive an education can get one. They can better montor that the education they are recieving are up to standard with not only other states but also with other nations around the world.