more power to states or to the federal gov't?

Question

what do you think and why? which powers in specific do you think each should have?

Answer 1

This used to be an easy one for me. Every time, it seems, that the federal government and the states have been in conflict, it has been the federal government on the side of progress, liberty, and civil rights. Granted, there are probably many instances where this has not been the case.

However, in light of the apparent Republican take-over of the entire American political scene, I can sort of see the point of state's rights. Why should I be ruled by the dictatorship of the majority (particularly when that majority is very slim indeed), when I could find a bluer state, a state closer to my own beliefs.

But wouldn't something like that polarize the country even further? Conservatives would flee the coasts while Liberals abandon the south and midwest. Is that what our country needs?

I still think a strong Federal government is a good thing. Our civil rights and civil liberties are more strongly protected than in the states. Furthermore, reducing the role of the states, or (gasp) eliminating them altogether would remove a layer of costly, inefficient bureaucracy from our politcal system. That would be a good thing, right?

Answer 2

(This answer I'm giving here has already been picked before as best answer. I like to repeat myself when others recognize that I'm right! Tee-hee!)

I wish we could consult the Constitution itself to answer this question, but the respective powers of the federal government and the state governments has been extremely blurry during the 20th century. The definitions of the federal government's powers have been confused by much talk about "implied powers" while the definitions of what states are not allowed to do has become confused because of 1) the amibiguity of the 14th amendment and 2) the persistent misinterpretations of that amendment when the Supreme Court enforces "unenumerated rights" against the states and expands the meaning of the Equal Protection Clause beyond the one and only known purpose of that Clause.

Ostensibly, the way to distinguish between federal powers and state powers is this:
The Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the Constitution makes the federal government's powers supreme over that of the states, BUT ONLY WHEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS EXERCISING IT'S DELEGATED POWERS. Any powers that the federal government is attempting to exercise but which it was not delegated is supposed to be void and enforceable (unconstitutional). Powers which the Constitution does not PROHIBIT the states to exercise, may be exercised by the states. Prohibited powers include those in which the state interferes with the federal government's power -- it's constitutionally authorized power. To paraphrase Justice Clarence Thomas (dissenting opinion, U.S. Term Limits vs. Thornton) any subject about which the Constitution is silent, the federal government lacks the power to regulate it and the states enjoy it.

But again, it's become so blurry for the past 100 years that it's very hard to be "specific" about what powers each should have.

Answer 3

More States Rights! The state law should be able to over rule federal law! thats the way they wanted it when the country was founded and thats the way it should be today! When this country was founded we were not a democracy, we were a republic! there is a big difference and this democracy has turned into a dictatorship, the people no longer have any say and the government can now do whatever they want as long as they have a semi-believable story to feed the public!

Answer 4

states because they know more about the needs of the specific people of their specific states. the federal gov't is too general, when there are lots of specifics out there.

Answer 5

Amazing how Libs can take this question and turn it into a hate Bush answer.

The federal government should protect our borders and deal with foreign trade and other foreign matters. The states should be allowed to make decisions that effect the directly, such as: abortion, gay marriage, speed limits, drinking age etc.

Answer 6

States ! States should have ALL rights not specifically delegated to the federal govt. under the constitution.

Answer 7

States should have the most power over our lives , but we need the government to protect us in a national attract or disaster

Answer 8

while states have extra capacity, you eventually finally end up with extensive variations between each guy or woman state. Ideologies strengthen into very polarized, and gaps between prosperous and undesirable strengthen. Rural states strengthen into backwaters, at an identical time as city ones strengthen into prosperous and cutting-edge. If we decrease back capacity back to the states, it may be like it replaced into after the Civil war. extensive gaps like that between each state are no longer a stable element.

Answer 9

re: the tenth amendment.
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

it is time for the Congress, the President, and the Courts to read this again -- and again --and again --ad infinitum.

Answer 10

The only way a nation can be involved in world events and politics is through centralization. Decentralized states often are overrun by weaker centralized nations.