« Discussion 2 (Due 6/11 by 11:59pm)

Ethan Byron

Discussion 2

2 replies
Mary Campbell ST
Last

1. I do believe and agree with Kettl’s claim that federalism’s strength is its enormous flexibility in adapting to new problems and political problems. I think that it is a main strength of federalism, without being flexible in any given situation there may be an issue, such as national emergencies, debating with the states over use of marijuana, and much more. Without maintaining flexibility in certain situations, you may not be able to maintain a certain level of trust with the states or even with the citizens of the United States. Flexibility is a key strength in adapting to new issues, threats posed to our nation, and many political pressures. So, I do agree with Kettl's claim.  

2. I believe that the federal government has a right to impose stricter rules on grants and restrictions. Yet, they should also allow the states more power dependent upon the grants and restrictions. Since you are giving grants to certain states, let's say for a natural disaster, you want the states to then give the money to the right cause. With the federal government in charge of rules on grants, they may also maintain more control over the nation. Which in some cases may be concerning, but overall, I believe they should have the right to impose rules and restrictions on the states in terms of grants. States do have the right to govern themselves, at the end of the day though, they will go to the federal government when they need grants, so they should obey the rules and restrictions the federal government may impose upon them.  

3. If I could change any aspect of the constitutional design of federalism, I would want more power given to states dependent upon the times in which they need power. For example, if a state is going through a covid outbreak, natural disaster, or many other issues then the federal government may give them mandates or grants, but I feel the states should have more control as well. Even as citizens we do not have much say when it comes to independence and freedoms, and I feel if the federal government and state governments heard what we had to say on many issues then things may be resolved. State power and federal power must be on equal terms, but I feel the states should be given more power based on the given scenario.  

2 replies
  1. Post by Sara Thomas
    Re: Discussion 2
    Ethan, I like your answer to question 1 as you brought up a point that I did not think to apply to the question: trust. Trust is needed in any situation and I believe federalism's flexibility creates a sense of accountability and trust throughout the various levels of government. I agree with your answer to question two! In addition, you also came up with a reasonable answer to question 3, however, I wonder how that power would be distributed. 
  2. Post by Mary Campbell
    Discussion Reply
    I think what you said for question one about the national emergencies is really important especially with what we saw during covid. We saw that certain states did not want to participate in mask mandates even though it was what was best. Federalism allows for the federal government to protect citizens throughout America. I 100% agree on the regulations of grants because if a state is given money to fix a problem they need to fix that problem instead of using it on something else. I agree that states should be given more power. However I think that the federal government should have some say about things in situations where a state is dealing with something that can affect the whole country. For example if a state had a dangerous viral outbreak, I think the federal government should be allowed to step in and protect other states, but the state should have the most power in the situation.
Newer discussion