Dispersal of Power

Today we discussed the dispersal of power on several levels. Even though the 10th Amendment discusses reserved powers, I feel that it isn't as cut-and-dry as that in the U.S. As we discussed today, there will always be events that will cause our government to change how it operates - and in many cases it is for the good of its people. With that said, it can be difficult to decide exactly when the states will or won't receive aid (financial or other) or when they will or won't be allowed to maintain their authority. Education decisions are supposed to be one of the reserved powers left to the states. However, we discussed two specific situations in which the national government stepped in - grant-in-aid programs, which were helpful for states to start college institutions, and the No Child Left Behind Act, which has caused much controversy. Also, we have seen projects handed down from the national level for the state level to carry-out, but no aid is given to the states to do so. However, a chart that we saw in class today made me change my mind about how I view the dispersal of power in the U.S. The chart showed the dramatic variance of federal aid given to the states over the years. I believe that the differences have a lot to do with our economy at those times and what was going on in the world. With that said, our national government may not always be consistent with how it operates, but when the states are in need the national government will be there to help.

I understand that this does not always work out and that there are issues in which the national government should not get involved with. I still believe that the government at all levels needs to be able to operate in full authority within their own districts while still cooperating with each other. And I applaud the move to a "New Federalism," because I think it is important for the national government to worry about bigger issues and not waste time dealing with insignificant issues.