Chapter 3


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

The constitution gave us a framework for a stronger system of governing the people. I think it makes the country move more smoothly by regulating the power between both state and national. I do feel the national government should be the stronger of the two.
 There are certain things state government should be responsible for and certain things national government should be in control of.

2. 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?

After the great depressions Congress has the power to accept any taxing or spending plan they thought supported general welfare. When Reagan was elected he vowed to cut spending and did. He cut back on catagorical grants and replaced them with block grants with fewer restrcitions on how to spend them. He also did away with revenue sharing. Over a period of time spending had become so out of control with very few limits that something had to be done to reign it in.

3. 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?

I do feel that giving national government the say over education has improved the system. They have put in the Student Aid & Fiscal Resposibility Act and I would rather deal with the government than with a bank. They have also expanded spending for pell grants and have added more funding for our community colleges