The McFarland Forum is the class blog for AP Government and Politics and AP United States History. You will find stories and prompts on which you are to comment. Your comments should focus on analysis of the articles. Namely, how the articles or posts reflect the themes, topics, concepts, and content that have been covered in class.
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
A 10th Amendment Drama Fit for Daytime TV Heads to the Supreme Court
The 10th Amendment is the main argument in this case. The 10th Amendment is an amendment that can help or hurt this case. When dealing with a case like this you must consider enumerated powers and implied powers. The 10th Amendment states “the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people,” in some cases it’s hard to decide what is or is not in the Constitution. In some opinions it’s clear but the Court must decide.
This case was wrapped in drama, something you would see on a soap opera and it was intriguing. The case should be reviewed by the Supreme Court for obvious reasons. Information was mishandled in many ways by police and others. The police did no real research into this case the federal postal service did. The sentence was longer than the usual sentence. Instead of three months to two years she got six years. This sentence seems excessive.
A 10th Amendment Drama Fit for Daytime TV Heads to the Supreme Court
Climate Change Doubt Is Tea Party Article of Faith
The cap-and-trade bill and the carbon dioxide regulation may need further looking into because it may not be necessary to do if the global warming issue is not as big as some make it out to be. It might be a waste of peoples’ money to put in these programs, if it is not going to make that big of a difference in the end. For those who believe global warming is not real or are skeptical of it, these policies and regulations made by the government are scary. They do not want the government controlling more of the economy and taking more of their money.
This article showed me a different view on the issue of global warming. I still believe global warming is real after reading this; but the government should not be able to make policies so drastic that will possibly harm the economy even more, or cause job losses. There are more important things our money could go towards other than helping stop global warming, especially if it is not a huge problem. The national government should not have a huge part in programs linked to climate change because it just wastes our money. If they want to do something about global warming I am sure they can find a way without using our money.
Climate Change is Tea Party Article of Faith
A Ban We Don't (Yet) Need
How it connects to Federalism: This article relates to federalism because it shows that states have the right to make their own decisions. Even though several states have made laws banning gay marriage, Massachusetts doesn't have to go along with the other states choices.
Why it is important: I believe that this is important because I think that gay marriage should be legal in all states and that it should be your personnal choice. I agree with the courts on this because they are using their right to independence. They understand that other states don't agree with this issue, but thanks to Federalism, they have the right to make that decision on their own.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/06/a_ban_we_dont_yet_need.html
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Can the Concept of Federalism be Saved?
This article relates to federalism due to the fact that federalism is the topic of discussion. It reflects that bombardment of grants given to the state is centralizing policies and power, thus making the national government stronger.
Federalism is missing the bullseye. The U.S. is centralizing its government via grants given to the states, allowing them to control more and more. If this continues, we will have ventured so far from federalism, other countries will laugh at our foolishness. We will no longer be a free nation; those who are ignorant will feel free, but that is simply because they are ignorant. Rather, we will be so strongly and strictly regulated by our national government that they will know how many calories we consume on a daily basis. America needs to get back on track, and fast.
Can the Concept of Federalism be Saved?
Rethinking Fiscal Federalism
This article relates to federalism because it is focusing on how the federal government controls what the state governments spend their money on, and how much they get. A specific quote from the article that emphasizes federalism is, “While states could use more flexible federal funding to respond to local circumstances, states’ resistance to federal mandates is sometimes disingenuous,” This shows that the state governments are not exactly cooperating with the national government on the budget.
This is important because without money from the national government, then the state governments cannot do anything, and if the state governments have no money to spend, then a lot of people are going to suffer because of this. And if the state government doesn’t cooperate with the national government, then the national government will not give the states any money. The national government pretty much controls what they state government’s do, so the state government must work together with the national government in order for things to get done.
In a Crisis, Rethinking Fiscal Federalism
Judicial activism against Arizona
This is related to Federalism because it is a classic example of the Supremacy Clause. The Supremacy clause states that the national government is supreme over the state governments, if constitutional. This article shows an example of how national government is more superior over the state governments by not allowing Arizona to pass the immigration enforcement law. And, it shows that the Supreme Court interprets that law and how to handle it by not letting them pass the law, which in the long run could help the state and the country.
This issue is important because the immigration numbers are increasing more and more every year. And, the article simply stated how the police would handle such people, not to assume that they are immigrants. The national government seemed to have called the wrong notion because law enforcement is a state power and the Supreme Court denied this power to Arizona. This article shows unconstitutional powers.
Virginia AG Cuccinelli: Obamacare Ends Federalism
This article is related to federalism because it is about the blending of state and national government. The national government is using the power of the Commerce Clause to try to get citizens to purchase insurance. State governments are suing saying that insurance is definitely not commerce, but a product used in healthcare. The federal courts are to decide if the bill is constitutional or not. If the bill is found unconstitutional in one state’s suit, it will most likely be found unconstitutional in all states.
The states are absolutely right in this case. Insurance has never been considered commerce until now, so why make everyone buy it. Sure, it is a wise decision to have at least some form of insurance, but some people get by just fine not having insurance. The insurance game can be risky, with bankruptcies, clauses that the agencies make so they can’t cover you at times, and even qualifying for it can be difficult. If you asked me I would say that today, insurance agencies are pretty corrupt, and Obama should work on fixing them before his administration mandates hat we have to buy something like that.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Suit on Health Care Bill Appears Likely to Advance by Alexandra Poffenberger
Federalism
Police officers are now looking farther into the case before they accuse the people of being illegal immigrants. People are now saying that they cannot be searched without valid proof. This goes with the Fourth Amendment. Some people also say that the law is unconstitutional because of the 14Th amendment. The 14Th amendment provides equal protection under the law but prevents the government from basing action on race. Thirty percent of Arizona's residents are said to be Hispanics. The vast majority of police officers make good judgements about illegal immigrants.
I chose this article because i wanted to learn more about illegal immigration in Arizona. When i read it it sounded very interesting and it also tied federalism into it. It talks about how the national government is not doing its job on controls the United States borders so the states have to come up with their own idea. It also talks about the 4Th and 14Th amendment and how they tie into the illegal immigrants coming into and living in the state of Arizona. This article talks about the Constitution and how it questions some of the regulations of the Constitution. Also the article says that even though the majority of the state likes the article it still means it can be invalid.
The article was very interesting and some parts grabbed my attention. There are too many illegal immigrants living in Arizona and they need to be caught. The national government also needs to start doing a better job of controlling the borders. It is their responsibility. I can't believe there are 460,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona and 30% of the people who live there are Hispanic. Its also interesting that Arizona is question the regulations in the Constitution sometimes. The article was good but i do believe there needs to be more done about the illegal immigrant situation.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/columnists/george-will-immigration-law-is-one-that-arizona-can-live-with-677690.html?cxtype=ynews_rss
Suit on Health Care Bill Likely to Advance
The article relates to federalism in several ways. First, the states are constitutionally challenging the bill by saying Congress is using powers that they do not have, powers not granted to them in the commerce clause. This means Congress is interfering with states powers and the states are not happy about it which is why they are challenging the bill. "Our whole system of federalism rests on the decisions of this case," and this means that when a decision is made it will dictate the powers Congress does or does not have. What Congress is trying to do exceeds the commerce clause, which means they do not have the power to force health insurance upon people, that is a power left to the states because it is not mentioned in the Constitution. Another way the article is related to federalism is that the cost of the new program will be divided up between the federal and state governments, the federal government will initially pay for the entire expansion but eventually the states will be paying 10%.
I am not for or against either side of the bill. The states are right in saying that Congress is violating the commerce clause because nothing about medical care is in the Constitution. But after reading the article, the bill is just saying that the people have to pay for medical insurance in a certain way but they do not have to have it. It would be better if everyone paid the same way because then there could not be a debate on which way is better and what not. Overall, the bill should not be passed because it would just cause problems because people are going to disagree with what is being passed, just like any other new bill.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/health/policy/15health.html?scp=4&sq=federalism&st=cse
Obama wants to increase federal spending by 6.2 percent next year. The money will go towards easier secondary school access, adult education, K–12 reform, and early learning. Also part of the money will be used to encourage states to work together on higher national standards as well as heighten the standards on curriculum and more meaningful tests. Also Obama wants there to be more flexibility with NCLB program in schools.
Education is normally refereed to as a state issue. But even though its considered state the national government plays a big role in it by spending money that goes towards education as this article shows. Also the president wants to encourage state standards, he is not making it national standards he is having states decide the standards, those are examples of federalism. This show the two parts of federalism working on the same topic. All because an issue may fall under state issue doesn't mean the national government can't help just as it does with education funds.
I'm glad to know that education is becoming a really important issue. I think we should higher standards to a national standard (even if it meant i wouldn't be making my A's). If the average American citizen get more education then it does now the better off this country will be in the future. I just feel that we fall to short to other countries when it comes to education and I'm glad more money is going to education.
Obama refuses to budge on Race to the Top education reforms
Back to 18?
The drinking age has been at age 21 since the 1980’s when the mothers against drunk driving put it on the legislative agenda. By 1984 it won majority of congress. For the next three years every state had the choice to choose between adopting the standard or getting federal highway funding. Almost all states went with the standard of having the drinking age raised to 21 besides Vermont and fought it all the way to the Supreme Court and lost. The U.S has the highest drinking age in the world and most countries don’t have a minimum age or set it at 16 or 17 years of age. Supporters of the federal minimum argue that the brain continues to develop till age 21. High school students in countries who have the lowered the drinking age do better than U.S students on standardized test. Another drawback of this is an 18-year-old is mature enough to marry, to sign a contract, to go to war and vote but not mature enough to drink a beer. Supporters seem to think that the law has worked. Their main argument for this is that there has been a dramatic drop in alcohol related accidents since 1984.
This article is right in where it says that most 18 year olds can do major things like voting, going to war, and marry but can’t have a beer. I also believe that keeping the drinking age at 21 would lower alcohol related accidents but kids are still going to drink under age no matter what. They can also still be in the car with a parent who is drinking and driving and get in an accident. This article states that high school students in other countries that don’t have a requirement on drinking age do better on standardized test. That is shocking to me. If in one country the law is age 17 to drink, which would have teenagers still in high school taking the test but allowed to drink compared to in another country where teens aren’t suppose to be drinking I would think the higher test scores would be in the country of the drinking age at 21.
Restoring Federalism in Education: The Charter State Option
The main focus of this article is federalism. Education is a right that is guaranteed to states. States get the rights to control standards and processes of education. The states just have to make sure they are teaching to national standards and keeping kids up to date on the information that is crucial to them. So as expected with most legislation some people had a problem with No Child Left Behind. The federal government was tying education regulations in with federal funding to increase the probability of getting what they want. This has to violate states rights to control their own education. If the education standards are the same then they don’t need changed.
It doesn’t seem fair that the federal government can just tie huge issues like state education standards in with large sums of money. Of course most states are going to take the money to help fund programs. There has to be a limit on the federal governments influence over states by way of money. Arizona is doing what’s right by challenging what they feel as unnecessary actions. If states don’t fight back on issues the find unjust then what’s to stop the federal government from pushing the states around on future issues.
Restoring Federalism in Education
Federal government's role in public education
The article is about how much the national government should really intervene with education. Many people are split over the idea whether they should give funds to the school or not. Even people running for seats in congress such as Rich Lott and Marcy Kaptur were split over the issue. Right now education id mainly left to the state and local governments and right now the government gives 8% to K-12 schools. Lott believes that the national government has no role in education and that the money should be given to the states to decide where it goes to. Currently the national government gives money to school for lunch for needy children. Many schools agree that they need the money from programs such as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top. Springfield Local superintendent Kathyrn Hott thinks that every child should get equal opportunities in education and she accepts all the help that they can get from government. Hott says that it goes farther than just education, the money helps children eat and helping them secure health care.
This article is an example federalism because it deals with the federal, state and local governments being involved in an aspect of life, in this case education. The federal government has implied that education is a power of the state and local governments. But, the federal government has found a way to get around that. They give money to the states to help run their schools, usually the way that they suggest. Some will argue that the federal government s not allowed doing this and that it is unconstitutional. Others argue that it does not violate the constitution and that they are just trying to help schools in need. As it currently stands the federal government is allowed to grant money to the schools.
The federal government should be allowed to give grants to schools. The federal government should not be able to have control over what the money is used for. The schools should be in charge of what the money is used for because if the school is run correctly it knows what aspects of the school money needs to go towards. Every school needs money for different things and one of the only ways to get that money is from the government.
Federal government's role in public education
Can Federalism Solve America's Culture War?
A federal approach could very well worsen the cultural issues, as demonstrated in the Terry Schiavo case. Federalism only works when jurisdiction is clear, and cultural issues create murky jurisdiction. For example, let's consider abortion, if Roe v Wade were overturned, the states could pass all kinds of regulations reflecting many opinions. That might release a certain amount of cultural steam and cause us all to pick sides.
This article relates to federalism because it is discussing the possibility of federalism being the solution to this cultural war America is undergoing at the moment.
This particular article was very interesting to me because I never thought that the idea of federalism was discussed anywhere but the classroom in current times. It is also very intriguing to see how federalism effects all of the different issues that are hot right now. I never understood the importance of the system until reading this article.
Can Federalism Solve America's Culture War?
In a Crisis, Rethinking Fiscal Federalism
In this article federalism is the main topic. It talks about how states are not receiving enough money to spend on their programs. The national government is deciding to not give funds to the states because they believe that the states do not spend it well. States are not getting enough federal funds to give health care to all of their citizens. The national government believes that funds should be cut back to avoid layoffs and cutbacks. Health care is a heated debate that is an example that can be linked to federalism. States believe that they should be receiving more money to be able to pay for health care. The national government has the power to give money or to not give the money to the states. States are spending a lot of money on programs and the national government are not giving them enough money and it causes the states to have huge deficits.
The national government should give more money to the states. States are trying to implement programs that will help the economy and they can’t do that without the proper amount of funds. Most policies originate in the states and if more money is given to the states then maybe more policies could be made and the national government could have more ideas on how to handle certain issues. States should also try to do what the national government tells them to do so they will be able to receive more funds to make more programs.
Aboration is always a hot topic wether your for it or againist it. In the court case Roe v. Wade aboration in the United States became legal and still is today. Polls today show that many Americans are against late-term aborations but support the morning after pill when prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall, and stops a pregnancy. So the aboration policy is a very heated debate with many questions: When is it the right time to have the aboration? When the fetus can be seen? Is it the mother's right? Is it Wrong?
So who gets to say that this is legal? The Founding Fathers recognized the federal government is too clumsy to deal with such delicate matters. These issues are best delt with by the states. Then we can choose to live under laws that reflect our values. The Constitution framers left these "line drawing" decisions up to the states. So the best solution to abortion is to leave it up to the states. Then those who want to support abortion can live in a place that does that. And those who do not can live where there their tax dollars are not going towards something they do not believe in.
Overturning Row whould not "get rid" of abortions because you would still have people willing to go out and get an abortion. States would still be able to make their own laws for or against the subject.
Federalism allows people with different views to hold on to what they believe in. The Federal government can not just pass laws for somethings because they are state issues. So if you do not like the laws of one state you do not have to move there. If only it were that simple.
This article showed a different view on how abortions could be delt with. If every state could make abortions illegal the United States would be better, but it is not that way. So if the states could decide then your views could be mached.
Federalism
A high school class wrote to President Obama talking about education. They were concerned about the reward for their “good work” in the classroom. The class’s thoughts were that even if they do get good grades that it would not help the fact that there are not many hobs available for them. Obama has tried to save jobs for teachers and is working on making it easier for students to attend college. He is doing this by “closing tax loopholes.” Obama said that making change is hard and the Republicans are risking the “hope and change” the young longed for in the 2008 election.
This article greatly deals with federalism. It is mainly about education and President Obama’s opinion on what needs to be done. Technically, Obama and the rest of the federal government have little say over what happens in the education in the states. It is a right granted to the states to decide their standards and regulations dealing with education. However, the federal government has control over the amount of money granted to the states for education purposes. The recent Race to the Top competition awarded nine states and the District of Columbia with money to use toward education. The states that won are Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio. Race to the Top is a way the federal government influences the states to get what they want done.
Education is something that needs a lot of work. There should be a national test given at the beginning of ninth grade and at the end of twelfth grade to ensure that students are learning. States should also all require the same standards. This would guarantee that all students are taught the same material. I think education should be controlled more by the federal government. Doing this would be good for the whole country in the long run.
Obama: Education key to economic success
Federalism
This article is related to federalism because it talks about a conflict between the state and national governments. The state governments want the national government to pay for protection against the southern border. The federal government says that they already provide protection so any extra the states must pay for. The states believe that there isn’t enough protection and that they shouldn’t have to pay to be protected. This is a good example of federalism because it shows how the governments are clashing to see who should pay for what services. The states want the national to pay for protection, but the federal doesn’t think it is needed.
The federal government should have to pay more for protection along the borders. They may not have to pass this bill, but if the states want more protection, they should have it. There are quite a few problems along the Mexican border and we do need more regulation and protection against it. The states shouldn’t be able to control the National Guard, but they do deserve more protection. They shouldn’t have to pay for protection.
Texas Wants Guard Troops At State's Call
Federalism within the Tea Party
Health care issues were recently discussed at a Tea Party rally in Lincoln, Nebraska. Called the "Restore America Rally", this event not only discussed issues with health care but also the reducing of state spending. One of the objectives requested was for the attendees what the event called "a patriot's pledge" which advocated the reducing of state spending. As for health care, this rally was primarily against the health care reform law and wished to end it. Brochures were distributed the rally participants. The director of this rally, Bob Bennie accused President Obama of being a communist, along with the audience's agreement. His wish was for the destruction of liberal and progressive reforms. Bennie state Fox News' Glenn Beck as being his primary influence. Bennie also made the statement that the time to stop this reforms will be in November at the elections.
This article relates in the way of federalism in the way that the health care reform law was passed in the federal government. The people of the state of Nebraska are trying to end this law. The people of Nebraska going against the federal government is an example of state vs. national government conflict. Federalism is composed of atleast two layers of government. Since one layer is conflict with another, it shows that federalism is in place.
I don't know where to start my reaction. First off, it's credible to have an argument against something such as a health care reform bill. You have your right to support what you wish. To describe the president as a communist, that is quite another. Bob Bennie shows his true ignorance at this rally. Also, to call for the destruction of progressive/liberal reforms is just pure insanity. Just because you may not support something, you shouldn't put it down at every chance. When he explains that Glenn Beck is one of his influences, it puts the puzzle right together. On his show, Glenn beck is notorious for his absurd and nonsensical content. It just goes to show that people out there are being fed information from delusional individuals without thinking for themselves.
Schools Struggle to Feed Kids Healthy Food
Education is left up to the states to regulate but this article shows how the federal government gets involved. They provide grants and money to schools for not only lumches but educational needs as well, even though the states are left to deal with education regulations, they cannot do it on their own. Which is shown in this article.
I believe the government needs to help schools more. Children are obese and over weight partly because of what is being served at school. The mother in this article is trying her best to bring healthier alternatives to schools and i applaud her for her efforts. If only every school district had the same motivations. All the programs like the first lady's and others are wonderful, they are very much so needed. But my question is if school lunches don't meet USDA regulations shouldn't the government be more involved? They are the one's who implement these regulations. Over all this article is very inspiring and i believe it would be good for our school district to read this article and make some changes.
Schools Struggle to Feed Kids Healthy Food
Arizona Laws are at it Again
The law in Arizona requires that any person that may be suspected of being an immigrant, they have to provide documentation. By having about no immigrants in the state prevents any fighting problems. The federal government wants to block the law from becoming active. The main focus will be about balancing power between the states and the national government. The issue centers upon a disagreement that says “federal law trumps state law.” The lawsuit goes on to say that states cannot make immigration policy or make laws that contradict with the federal immigration laws.
Two professors support the Arizona law by saying that it only prohibits conduct that is illegal under federal law and that that state can have ability to protect its residents. However, the courts have rule that the federal law is the supreme law of the land. Since it states that any state law that conflicts with a federal law is "pre-empted", or done away with.
This situation dates back to the founding fathers. However, because the Obama Administration is filing the claim, it increases credibility and develops more of a chance that the law will be turned down. If the high court doesn't issue a broad ruling on states' rights to apply laws on immigration in that case, the case will be filed on account of justices.
Federalism is the distribution of power and policy between the two or more levels of government (in this case, the national and the state). This relates to federalism because the state and the national government have a conflict about who has what power. Although it is stated in the Constitution that states cannot make laws that are against the federal, Arizona continues to argue that it is needed to protect its citizens and prevent combat issues. It is argued that the state law is only violating rules that are already illegal under the federal law. Again, the main focus results in balancing power between the states and the federal government.
This case is an important and critical case. It will demonstrate the power that the Constitution holds and will show the results of states over excising their power. The states should not have the upper advantage against the federal government because their reasons and support is weak. Unlike the states, the federal government has proof and evidence that what their law will bring is inaccurate. Yes, it may limit the immigrant population in Arizona, but states cannot enforce laws or establish their own immigrant policy in a way that will interrupt the federal laws already set in place. This court case will be used throughout history as an example of debates when states and the national government argue over the power that it is given. The states think that they have a chance against the federal government because they cannot limit the protection among the residents of Arizona. The federal government however has a huge advantage because it is being filed by the Obama Administration and because this problem has circulated throughout U.S. history, with the majority of the results ending the same way.
Feds Vs. State Again in Suit Against Arizona Law
Federalism in Schools
Arizona's Immigration law.
There has been a huge political debate on this issue. President Obama has strongly criticized the bill saying that it “threatens to undermine basic notions of equality that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so vital to keeping us safe.” The Mexican Foreign Ministry said that it is worried that this law will limit the rights of its citizens and relations with Arizona. The law goes into effect by August, and court challenges are expected immediately.
Mr. Russell Pearce, a state senator, has several provisions on the bill. It requires police officers to detain people “only when practicable”, like if it doesn’t hinder an investigation or emergency medical treatment. It also makes it a misdemeanor to fail to carry the proper immigration documents, and it also allows people to sue the state and local governments if they believe that the immigration law is not being enforced. 48 states have proposed or enacted hundreds of bills about immigration since 2007, which was the last time the federal government tried to reform the immigration law.
Immigration, normally a federal issue, has been taken into the hands of the states. Now the state of Arizona has enacted a law more harsh than any of the others, granting the police the ability to demand that immigrants show proper identification. This law blurs the line between state and federal power to enforce immigration restrictions. This law allows the state of Arizona the ability to do what only the federal government can do, limit immigration. This law came about because of the national governments inability to control illegal immigration. Does this mean that when the national government can’t fix a national issue that the states can take power into their own hands?
If a state can make a law discriminating against immigrants what can’t it do? If state doesn’t like a national law and they want to change it only within their state they can just make a law overriding the national law? What happened to NATIONAL SUPREMACY? How can the national government just stand by and allow immigrants to be discriminated against? Granted some immigrants are here illegally and they deserve to be thrown out until they can get enough money to come here legally. (Read: Quit devoting your life to hopping fences, crossing rivers and bridges, and get a job.) But I still think that the federal government should be the ones held responsible for kicking out Senor and Senora Fence Hoppers, not the states.
Arizona's Stringent law on Immigration.
race to the top
They say the money would close the achievement gap between white students and students of color, students with special needs and students who do not speak English as their first language. Massachusetts was rejected in the first round of grants, which sent shock waves because it has one of the most rigorous academic standards in the country. this was because they did not want to change their standards, and they gave teachers to much say in what to do to failing schools.The American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts, which supported the first application, reversed its position for the second round, outraged that hundreds of teachers in Boston were asked to reapply for their jobs at under performing schools in Boston.
The article deals with federalism because it deals with the federal, state and local governments being involved in education. In the constitution it states that education is a state and local government power. The federal government has found away around this. The federal government works with the state governments, to set national regulation that states have to meet to get extra national money, like the "race to the top money" in the article. They are not required regulations, so it does not violate the constitution.
It is a good thing that the federal government is making education an important topic. Money should not be what is changing state standards in education, the states should just change them themselves. Making the standards higher would better of the country in the future because there would be more smart people in the work force. It is also a good thing to see that national money is going to eduction change but it should not be the only thing changing it.
Mass. awarded $250 million in Race to the Top competition
Is health-care mandate constitutional?
How it relates to Federalism: This mandate threatens the original idea by the framers of the constitution and violates the 9th and 10th Amendment. It goes against a citizens right to privacy under the 9th amendment and states' rights under the 10th Amendment. The fact that the national government is issuing a mandate for healthcare takes away from the states' sovereign powers because the issue of health care is nowhere addressed by the constitution. With something like this in effect it only threatens to destroy federalism in the United States by giving the national government more power than the states.
Opinion: I completely disagree with the mandate because i do not believe that somebody else's issue of not having health care should rest solely on the public. It is every person's individual right to get health care rather than supporting other people's. I do not agree with the socialistic view this portrays and feel as though the federal government is getting to eager for more power. I believe that at the maximum it is a state issue rather than interstate commerce. This threatens the very existence of Federalism in the United States and takes away the states' sovereign powers, and gives the national government even more.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-03-31-column31_ST_N.htm
Health Care Law Could Mean End of Federalism If It Is Upheld, Virginia AG Warns
This article relates to federalism because there is a conflict between the state government of Virginia and the federal government. The federal government is requiring the purchase of health insurance, and using the Commerce Clause as justification to do so. However, Virginia says that the federal government cannot lay a penalty on you for not cooperating. This, Virginia says, could give the federal government unlimited power.
In this situation, Virginia should win the court case. U.S. citizens should have the decision on whether or not to purchase health insurance. Health insurance should not be required by the federal government. The state government should be able to overrule the federal government in this situation. If the federal government wins the case, it could grant the federal government the power to enact any requirement and punish the states who do not cooperate.
Health Care Law Could Mean End of Federalism If It Is Upheld, Virginia AG Warns
State's Most Lagging Schools to get Funding
"Race to the Top" is a program created by the Obama administration to promote increasing standards of the education system. A pool of $ 3.4 billion was granted to nine final states and Washington D.C. Some states get more money than others, but all of the states have to follow the same requirements on what to do with that money. The schools must fix curriculum, teacher evaluations, technology and the overall increasing success of the students. All of the $250 million will be distributed over the course of four years.
RTTT is a project that has the core of federalism. Both the central and state governments have present powers in RTTT. The central government gives each state the grants and has requirements for what the states can and cannot do with the money. The states, on the other hand, have the power to decide how much money goes to each school and all other decisions, as long as the states follow the central government's requirements.
Maryland is being smart on how they are spending the money. Schools with low performances on average need the money more. It would seem like their curriculum needs to change sooner than a school that is chronically doing well. Grasmick is right. It is unfortunate for students to have to go to lower performing schools because of where they live. All students need to have the same opportunities as others, no matter where they live. Improved technology could potentially mean improved instruction towards students. Having data over a student's progression is a good idea so the students and teachers could see how someone has intellectually improved, and what else that student could improve on.
State's Most Lagging Schools to get Funding
Federal goal is 47 to 62 mpg for cars by 2025
This article relates to federalism in the way the federal government is requiring all vehicles in all states to get at least 47-62 miles per gallon by the year 2025. This move supports states with timetables for reducing auto emissions. States who previously did not have much of a care for auto emissions now have to care, because the vehicles in their state must be more fuel efficient in the near future. If the fuel proposal is enacted then the gap between national and state approaches to fuel economy is narrowed.
The approach for cleaner air and less greenhouse gas emissions is generally a positive one, depending on who you talk to. Environmental groups will praise the proposal to control greenhouse emissions. Companies who make the cars may see a problem with the proposal, because more efficient vehicles have the potential to be more expensive to make. More expensive vehicles may drive potential customers away, resulting in less revenue. Both sides have a valid argument, although the environmental groups will most likely prevail.
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/01/nation/la-na-epa-mileage-20101002
Health Care Law Could Mean End of Federalism If It Is Upheld, Virginia AG Warns
The federal government made a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, however, on August 2 a federal court ruled against it, allowing the state to continue. The federal government says that health insurance is included under the commerce clause, so therefore, they can create a mandate for it. On the other hand, Virginia is arguing that those who do not purchase health insurance are not participating in commerce, and therefore cannot be forced to participate.
This article has very much to do with federalism. It contains a heavy debate between the powers of the national and state governments when dealing with the commerce clause. The result of this debate will depend on how the Constitution is interpreted. If the judiciary believes in a stronger national government, they will most likely expand the commerce clause to include health insurance, favoring the national government. But if the judiciary prefers stronger state governments or a more restricted national government, they may very well take Virginia's side of the argument and dismiss the federal mandate.
In this case, Virginia holds the more valid argument. The national government should not have the power to force citizens to buy health insurance. Not all Americans can afford to buy it. yes, health insurance is a very important thing to have, but it is unconstitutional to force someone to have it. Forcing Americans to buy health insurance would be forcing them to participate in commerce, which is forbidden by law. It would be more understandable with something like auto insurance, which benefits not only the average American, but also anyone who their mistakes while driving affects. However, health insurance would only benefit the individual, not the nation as a whole.
Health Care Law Could Mean End of Federalism If It Is Upheld, Virginia AG Warns