Chapter 3

1. Is a strong national government necessary or should the state governments have an equal share of power? Why?
I think this question is very very complicated to answer. Overall though I think that the national government is necessary. If we were to give the states an equal share of the power I believe there would be chaos. A strong national government gives us a good, supportive backbone as a country. I do, however believe that there are many issues that should be returned to the states, with guidelines and limits from the national government.

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?
The national power would have increased during that time because of the strain on our nations supplies and morale's. We in a sense really banded together in a time of distress, the states as well as the American people turned to our supreme leaders for guidance and help. I would say that the shift was aptly warranted and appropriate. if we cannot depend on our national government in a time of distress then why should we trust them to rule us. The power shifted back afterwards because things had settled down and we were able to have a little peace, the states were better equipped to handle their burdens and responsibilities than they had during the Great Depression.

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?
OK, this is a very debatable, and debated topic I know. In my own personal opinion I think that in the end the national government should regulate education, BECAUSE, if left solely up to the state and local governments there would be no equality in education nation wide, no sense of organization even. Kids would be moving on to college, possibly in different states and not fully be aware of what is expected of them. Having said that I am also a firm believer in collaboration between the national and state governments. Each state and local government is gonna have a better sense of what their areas are in need of, their strengths and their weaknesses, so by working with the national government they can come up with a almost universal education plan that will have room for everyone.



Brad Richardson
Chelsea Dunn
Jessica Armes