Our Question: How well do you think that they system of delegated and reserved powers in our government 'work for ordinary citizens in our country? Does this form/organization of government 'work' for the majority of the people? Are the people's issues and rights and perhaps grievances addressed in this form of government? Do you feel that you are represented in your government? Why or why not?
(A good way to frame your response might be to use one of the several examples that we have studied in class that show a difference of opinion between what people who would advocate for the State's rights versus those that would view that we need a strong 'National' government to deal with our societies' issues - like Montana' s Firearms Freedom Act or Gay Marriage.)
For the common person I think that the government system works pretty good. For example I have no direct problems with the government. But as a citizen I would say I do not have a say in the government. People can fight for their rights but that doesn't mean anything is going to change. For a person who the government is effecting directly, they might not agree with the way the government is being run. If I lived in Montana I might have different views on the laws about firearms and might want to have more power as a citizen. Over all our US government has a few flaws that could be changed, but for the most part our system is a unique one that seems to be working for now.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the average citizen, i believe that the system of delegated and reserved powers works fine. In this form of government the citizens are still able to vote on issues that concern them. Therefore, the popular vote will still be the one that is chosen. This makes sure that the majority of citizens stay happy.
ReplyDeleteThe issues of this type of government occur when a single state passes a law that contradicts a federal law that is already in place. One example of this is the legalization of marijuana. Throughout the past few years several states have made the push to legalize marijuana, some have already have legalized it for recreational use. This creates an issue because it gives people in neighboring states an easy method of purchasing marijuana. This would not serve as a problem, but clearly it would encourage people to purchase marijuana and then smuggle it across state lines which would be illegal if the state does not permit the recreational use of it.
Overall my belief is that states should have the right to create their own laws as long as the citizens of that particular state are content with the new law. People should be trusted not to abuse this power, but instead to charish it.
Even though I do not think our current system of delegated and reserved powers works best for the ordinary citizens of our country, I do think it serves better than many other countries. I do think it is a difficult task to balance State rights and National government responsibilities to please as many people as possible. Marriage so far is regulated by the state. For example, New York has legalized gay marriage. In North Carolina, there is still a ban on gay marriage. The government can't make states legalize gay marriage even if 55% and growing amount of the population in the USA believes that gay marriage should be legalized in all states. This shows the government doesn't necessarily work for the majority of the people. ( I recognize since marriage is controlled by the states that each state is different and there is many different cultures in the USA with different beliefs. So there may be overwhelming support in northeastern states but in southeastern states there may be very little support.) The thing closest to this topic of which I can think which effects at a national level is the removal of section three of DOMA, in which it was ruled unconstitutional to not recognize gay and lesbian marriages for benefits that heterosexual marriages would have. While I feel represented by my state, on a national level I do not, along with 55% of the population. I feel if you choose the state you live in, your beliefs are likely to be represented. However on a national level, you would need an overwhelming majority in order for your beliefs to be represented. It may be a flawed system, but it currently works better than other countries systems of government.
ReplyDeleteI believe that our nations system of government has for the most part been an extreme success. The United States of America has a unique form of government that is unlike that of other any other county. For most Americans the government covers their needs exceptionally well. I do -however- believe that there is absolutely room for improvement with many policies that currently exist.
ReplyDeleteWith any form of government there are groups of people in our nation that have issues with various policies ranging from: gay marriage, the legality of firearms, marijuana and immigration. The amazing thing about federalism (and our nations government,) is that when people with strong beliefs rally together and fight an issue our government listens. Top officials in Washington are constantly reviewing laws that retire in legitimacy as time goes on and different current issues prove more prominent.
One problem that I personally feel should be resolved in Washington is who reviews regulations that come under speculation. Many members of government in D.C. are there more so because they have the money to get there rather than having any relevance to the pressing issues that your average American may have.
I dont believe we are represented in our government, when looking at many federal vs state issues it seems like it takes them forever to get resolved. For example gay rights, whether you believe in the marriage side or not the benefits and paper trails of marriage is what really matters. A lesbian couple can be married in a state in which its legal, move for what ever reason where its not legal, they lose their rights. How are they voiced in the government? If one gets sick and doesn't have insurance they suffer because a state doesn't recognize them as a married couple with benefits and insurance. When looking at when bush and al gore ran al gore had the popular vote but because bush won electoral college he won the presidency. So much for majority rules and the voices of the popular vote.. If the issues are ever addressed it takes forever to it be fixed and faces so much adversity because our government will never admit they're wrong without the war of the people vs government and a river of blood.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the system of delegated and reserved powers in our government works that well for ordinary citizens because most people don't agree with the fed having specials rights and policies (for e.g, separate fed. taxes which are definitely a burden for ordinary people.) I believe reserved powers from states work for the majority of people because Fed. usually deals with problems on national and international level.(Example- The issue created over the Marijuana dispensaries in California in which Obama administration stated that "selling of Marijuana is a state issue and not federal. ") I would say people's issues are addressed in some form or other because every state has their own candidates to represent their people in Congress.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though our government gives us a decent amount of representation because everyone over the age of 18 is allowed to vote. Although this does not give us direct power over how the country is, its still gives us a say in how our government is run. We as citizens are allowed to convey our thoughts through voting, but we are not the ones who make the actual decisions. I would say that we have a 'limited representation' in our government. The Gay Marriage issue is to be decided by the state and our say is somewhat shown in the decisions that come from it. For this issue to be decided state to state shows that we are indeed represented. If we weren't represented, there would be a nation-wide ban or a nation-wide legality on most issues.
ReplyDeleteOur government’s system of delegated powers works very well for ordinary citizens. There are many circumstances in which a state and local governments are more apt to address certain problems facing their citizens than the federal government. For example, driving laws, which are under the domain of state government, change from state to state due to the differences in things like terrain and professions of their citizens. Missouri allows its citizens to obtain permits at a very young age due to its large farming community and the need for its citizens to operate tractors and other equipment that requires the ability to drive; whereas New York has a driving age of 16. The powers delegated to the states allow each state to decide on laws that cater to the needs of their citizens, laws that are more specific to the area. However, I do believe that laws pertaining to abortion and marriage regulation should be under the domain of the federal government. Liberal states like New York and California have legalized gay marriage, but other, more religion orientated states like Utah have yet to legalize it and are not likely to do so anytime in the near future. If the federal government were to legalize gay marriage throughout the country, less people would be oppressed thus leading to an improved quality of life. Again, if the federal government were to legalize abortion throughout the country, our society would take several steps forward instead of back. Texas jeopardizes this evolution due to the antiquated mindset of many of its citizens. The federal government needs to help its citizens by “nudging” them in the “right” (right is always subjective) direction, the direction being forward; strengthening the basic human rights of its people.
ReplyDeleteI believe that for most people who controls what power isn't very important, so it does work for the ordinary citizen. Yes the system may have many conflicts but in the end how much does the ordinary citizen really notice? But since the State and Federal governments clash so much such as in the cases of Montana's Firearms Freedom Act and California's Medical Marijuana, it begins to affect the more opinionated people and therefore begins to affect the ordinary people who begin to have an opinion. I feel that the best way to get opinions out is through the clashing of State and Federal Governments, if the State or Federal Government was in complete control then the people's issues would not be heard. Through the conflict new ideas come about. I feel that I am well represented in our government and if I didn't I would be able to speak out about it.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though the organization of the United States government works well for the common citizen. Although in the United States disputes between specific states and the federal government do occur, they are kept to a minimum. Relative to many other countries we have very few occurrences of interstate complications and inter-government fighting. The federal government does do a good job of delegating certain powers to states and retaining other powers for themselves. One issue I have with the government would have to be the regular citizens poor representation in government.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the delegated and reserved power system works efficiently in our system. This is because people of the country can vote from the age of 18 and voice their opinions. There are also rights for people to protest any rights or laws they would like. Our consitution protects the delegated and reserved powers. Freedom of speech is a major component of this government's system.
ReplyDeleteIssues such as the the legalization of marijuana and gun laws exist because some states believe that they are able to pass laws without the federal consent. Problems arise when neighboring states want to do the similar activity without consent and without control.
I think the system of delegated and reserved powers in our some what well for ordinary citizens in our country. The House of Representive works for representing us but i thin the law and bills should be voted like the presidential elections, we should vote yes or no, the "electoral" votes should go towards passing a bill.
ReplyDeleteI think that our government works well in some cases but a majority of it is so corrupt and convoluted that its hard for things to be done. Politicians do things mostly with the favor of the people in mind so that they will be elected again. Corporate America owns a lot of the government and influences what laws are passed and which are vetoed. So things dealing with our energy crisis and poverty and education aren't payed enough attention to. The common people are ignored, people with money are the ones who are heard. In comparison the system works but i think in need a makeover.
ReplyDeleteI do think the system of delegated and reserved powers works well most of the time. However I do not think it always works for the majority of the people. A regular middle-class voter does not have the same voting power as a millionaire because they can throw their money around and have a lot more influence on politicians. Also our two-party system is restrictive in that it throws big issues together on sides where someone might agree with one but not the other. People treat democrat and republican like sports teams. I am grateful for all the rights and privileges we have in this country but do not think the majority of people really have a voice in government.
ReplyDeleteI do not truly understand how most of the government works in terms of whether or not a system of delegated and reserved powers works for the "ordinary citizen". But it does seems as if because of these powers cause many conflicts of state and federal power to occur more frequently than it should. This form of government may work for most of the people but for some it conflicts with what they believe are not in the federal powers. People may receive some support from their problems but the government can't get to all the people that have a problem. i feel that i am not represented by this government because most of the people in the government probably don't understand what it's like to be a normal citizen.
ReplyDeleteI believe that on the surface, every individual has their own problems with the government. However, I believe that underneath the surface every individual holds deep value for the government. I think that the government does a very good job for the average American citizen. Although individuals do still have problems with the government such as gay marriage, immigration or the regulations of firearms, it is only common sense to know that their would be much much more problems if the government were not here to control and regulate the problems that go on in America.
ReplyDeleteParallel to other countries, our government does a lot to make sure that everyones voice is heard and that issues are always being discussed and changed if it impacts the country as a whole positively.
If I were to have an issue that I would speak about to the government, I would say that there should be more federal involvement in ensuring access to affordable health care, providing a decent standard of living for the elderly and sick (and their families), and making sure that food and medicines are safe.
All in all, if everyone has such a problem with the government, then why do they rely so heavily on the government when any tragedy or issue that is bigger than themselves to solve occurs?
I think that individuals within our current government stretch, bend and minipulate the system of deligative and reserved powers to serve there own purposes and not the purpose of the common citizen. Some exaples of these miniplations can be seen in the way the senate and congress vote for there own pay rase, have there own totally seperate health care benafits ( which is not equivelent to many ordinary citizens) and have guaranteed pentions for life. Because of these self granted special privolages, it is questionable whether the interest of the ordinary citizens are being adressed or just those of our law makers. Also law makers may not vote in the best interest of the citizen but in the interest of serving there own political partys interests or objectives.
ReplyDeleteI never have gave much thought between the federal and state government. It doesn't really affect my life right now. It applies to a lot of people who have jobs because they get taxes taken out and a lower paycheck. I just follow the rules and regulations of it. In some ways this system of the government works for the majority of the people because it doesn't really affect how they live their lives. Some people don't focus their life on the government where others do.
ReplyDeleteFor a teenager still in high school i believe that our government system is doing pretty good. the simple fact of the matter is that the government cannot please everyone in America and therefore what they have done so far is pretty tremendous. the US has a unique form of government,which allows all citizens above the age of 18 are allowed to vote. this allows everyone to have their own opinion on certain situations which makes it pretty much impossible for the government to react directly upon every problem. we rely heavily upon the government to set rules and regulations so that we can all live freely and equally and i believe though their is room for improvement within our government they are doing their job to the best of their ability. This government was in place before all of us were on this earth, it has been working for this country for many year.I believe if the government keeps adapting with time and remember to keep the best interest of this country over everything else, then it will work of many years to come.
ReplyDeleteThe current US government system is a good way to address many of the issues that everyday people face. It allows small local issues to be dealt with locally, by people who have firsthand experience with the problems by town or state governments. Big issues that affect the entire country are dealt with by the federal government. People have more individual value and control when it comes to local or state governments which work well because these are often specific issues that affect them personally. However with large issues an individual does not have as much direct power, which in most cases is a good thing as national issues should be agreed upon by the majority. Although an individual only has a single vote, if someone is passionate about an issue or truly believes their rights are being violated there is much more they can do. They can become personally involved in government and run for office. They can petition for change or protest. They can spread their ideas through the internet or other forms of media in order to rally others to their cause. In this way an individual can have a large impact on even the federal government.
ReplyDeleteFor an average citizen, I personally believe the current system of delegated and reserved powers are doing very well because it makes the people to remain content and happy. Also the government counts the majority votes to make sure the majority of the people get they wanted as a U.S. citizen. The government makes sure the people are heard and not ignored. However there are some issues that engage in this situation and that is the fact of legalizing marijuana. Before, marijuana was much easier to get off the streets illegally. Well since now in some states that they passed a law that marijuana has been legal it brings the urge of more people getting it. It is more easier to get it off the market but it still has its own obstacles. Those obstacles are going to be very difficult for a person to purchase marijuana. It creates a conflict that it would encourage people to buy marijuana. Overall my personal belief is that states must try to keep the people content by creating laws that would fill there desires and needs.
ReplyDeleteThe system of delegated and reserved powers works fairly well for the average citizen as it delegates the power to address specific issues that ordinary people face to the level of government that would be best suited to address them. For example, the power to coin and print money is held by the federal government. It makes sense to centralize this power at the federal level so that money is accepted throughout the county. Meanwhile, power over the education system is reserved for the states so that they can determine what kind of teacher qualifications, standardized testing, and subject areas taught would be best for students in that particular state. The local government handles issues of importance to the immediate area, such as fire safety and road maintenance. An ordinary citizen benefits from all of these functions, and would certainly be hurt if they were moved to the responsibilities of a different level of government. If, for instance, New York and Pennsylvania printed two different types of money, like they did under the Articles of Confederation, it would be difficult to trade between the two states and to determine what was or wasn’t legal currency. And snowplows would be sent out much later and less effectively if they were managed at the federal or even state level. Some functions of government, such as the power to levy taxes and the power to maintain law and order, are shared between various levels. Federalism is not always clear on the delegation of every power. In general, this is good because it allows for flexibility into the future. In the short term, however, it creates contested issues such as gun control and marriage equality, where some people feel they are better represented by their state government and others by the federal government. Such controversies make it difficult to establish policy, but people can still express their views through protests, petitions, and voting for candidates with similar views. As a minor, I will be better represented in government once I turn 18 and can vote. Still, though, I am a beneficiary of a reasonably well-functioning (although imperfect) system of government, so federalism “works” well for me.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. government serves the average citizen fairly well as it contains a set of both reserved and delegated powers. This decision, as outlined in the Constitution, provides an equal split of responsibilities among the federal, state, and local forms of government. For example, the Federal government has sole control of admitting new states. This makes sense: the country, as a whole, which is what the Federal government represents, should decide on whether to expand itself or not. If states were in control of establishing statehood, less people would be represented in having a say to the matter. In short, an uproar would occur and leave the country in shambles. However, so as not to leave too much control in the hands of the Federal government, some powers are delegated to local and state governments. The latter is in control of licensing. A range of preferences are scattered amongst the country and the Federal government cannot hope to capture all of them. Such preferences can form themselves into who should marry whom or how should one educate others. Hence, it only makes sense if this power is contested to the states to handle, where less people are represented and thus voices can be heard more distinctly.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned earlier, the Constitution outlines which parts of the government are delegated certain powers. However, in this endeavor, it is sometimes not specific; it can be elusive as to, for example, which part of government has a say in firearm regulations. I believe that this abstraction—this uncertainty of which government controls what—is beneficiary to the country. It allows for debates and interpretations to incur. It assures citizens that their voices are still being heard—that the government is not sturdy and final in its decisions and will always be under the scrutinizing eye of the public. Therefore, I believe Federalism works.
I think the system of delegated and reserved powers does indeed work for the average citizen. There are a fair share of checks and balances to insure that one branch of government is never too powerful. Also, there are 3 different types of government (local, state, and federal) to split the responsibilities and duties that a government would have. For example: The federal government has the ability to declare war, while local and state governments cannot. This form of government does work for the majority of people. While there are always going to be people that disagree with any idea, most people would say that our form of government is effective in getting stuff done. If anyone has any problems or grievances, they have to go through a long and tedious process to get their voice heard. So I would say it is not easy. For example, in order to speak before the senate, you must have a senator to back your idea one hundred percent. I do feel as if I am represented in my government. The citizens of the United States elect people to represent them. It is pretty fair, better than someone just making themselves a person in a position of power.
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