2006-11-02 10:58:16 · 9 answers · asked by SCOTT B 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The United States has a Federal Government, not a National Government. Each state is responsible for governing itself regarding matters within that state.
As for the drinking age, the states are free to set it as they please. About 20 years ago the federal government passed a law that any state that was not age 21 would lose it's share of federal highway maintenance money. All the states wanted the money so they changed it.
2006-11-02 11:02:35 · answer #1 · answered by Yak Rider 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The constitution says that whatever is not dealt with on a national level is up to the states to decide. Certain things are better off this way, because the people, geography, and environment can vary greatly from state to state. For example, California enacted stricter car emissions regulations than the rest of the country do help deal with the smog. In Alaska, where the population is far smaller than California, there is no need for such a law.
2006-11-02 11:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by fury_bassman 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
According to the 10th amendment, it states that powers not given to the federal government shall be reserved to the states or the people. Reserved powers are those powers that the U.S. Constitution does not grant to the National Government and at the same time, deny to the states. Technically it is the powers reserved to the states. In other words, states can regulate age limits.
2006-11-02 11:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by JaxJagsFan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called "states rights." It allows a balance of power between the state and national level.
The drinking age is the same across the country, though.
2006-11-02 11:01:43 · answer #4 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever it takes to get elected but there use to be a full faith and credit clause in this country. If you were married in say KY, you were considered married in say IL even though they have different ages limits for marriage. Now when you cross a state line you had better have a lawyer in you suitcase.
2006-11-02 11:04:14 · answer #5 · answered by Billy M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I reckon fury_bassman has got it sorted - here we go again - you have just described the plans announced last week by New Labour government to give power back to local councils. Actually I wish they could stop thinking of themselves as in 'power' but more like in the position of bearing 'responsibility for us and accountability' to us!
2006-11-02 11:37:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there's a difference between federal laws and state laws. there is a federal constitution but each state also has its own constitution.
2006-11-02 11:09:21 · answer #7 · answered by angelstar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some states haven't fully accepted incest either which is a major concern
2006-11-02 11:00:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Doesn't it just bugger up the name of the country.
I've never understood what's 'united' about America.
2006-11-02 11:56:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋