Do you think our United States government has to much power today?

Question

Why or why not?

Answer 1

At a time when Republicans talk about smaller government, the federal government is in fact expanding its authority over the states, and forcing states to perform new functions, some of which are costly.

When the federal government is reducing expenditure on everything but war, the states are having to pick up much of what is left undone -- as well as those unfinanced obligations put upon them by the feds. (That includes education, health and anti-terror work, among other things.)

Tax reduction is a myth if the states have to increase tax. And state taxation is often regressive -- paid disproportionately by the poor.

But then, the federal government -- and the Republican Party in particular -- respond most to the very rich who contribute the most. And to corporate interests.

Answer 2

There are various types of power. Our military power is adequate for today's dangerous world. Our influential power is gravely diminished because of the propoganda against the U.S. by the media and the envy the world has for America being so successful.

The branches of government have been battling for power ever since the democrats lost control in the 90's after being in power for 40+ years. This is why the judicary has come out with these outlandish rulings in the past 4 years.

It is the only place they remain in power and their actions are tyrannical and desperate. They ignore the will of the people and IMPOSE their radical ideology through the judicial system. It goes to show what contempt they have for democracy if their agenda isn't approved by the people. So, my conclusion is that the courts have obtained a perverted and destructive amount of power which the Founding Fathers did not want it to have.

John Jay, the first Supreme Court Chief Justice resigned because there was not any power in the Judicial Court of that era. Now, the Court has assumed and violated the Constitution by abusing their power. Chief Justice Rheinquist said in 73' that the Court exercised "raw judicial power" by coming up with an interpretation of the Constitution that is, at best, implied.

At the same time the democrats are doing their best to strip President Bush of his legitimate Executive powers to protect the public. Every chance they get they question his authority which history and the Constitution has granted the Executive Branch.

Answer 3

It abuses too much power today.

As with most situations, having power (potential) is not a problem. The constitution gives huge amounts of power to the state governments, and very broad powers to the federal government.

But implicit is that the governments will use those powers wisely, and not abuse their power. The check against that was supposed to be the power of the voters to re-elect new officials, mainly Congress.

The problem is, Congress has set up the rules so that they cannot easily be challenged, and then refused to impose the necessary checks on a rampant Executive branch, leading to further abuses.

So, the problem is not having too much power. It's abusing that power.

Answer 4

As opposed to whom? Seems like Iran has more power as they are disregarding the rest of the world's nations concerning their developing nuclear power.

Answer 5

The government, particularly this one, is abusing its power. bush spying into our home, on our phones, inhumane torchers, secret camps, putting people on trial in Guatanamo Bay without the approval of the Supreme Court...its called "wanna-be dictator", and he needs to stop, or be stopped...

Answer 6

THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE AMOUNT OF POWER---BUT HOW WE UTILIZE THAT POWER........AS AN EXAMPLE;
WE HAVE THOUSANDS OF OUR OWN PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTRY THAT OUR HOMELESS, AND THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN THAT GO TO BED HUNGARY----WHY ARE WE NOT TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN, FIRST?