Resources:Â
Federalism: Crash Course Government and Politics #4 (Links to an external site.)
** attach are the 2 readings
After completion of the course readings and videos, you should be already familiar with the major features of the U.S. government system: separation of powers and federalism.Â
The nation’s founders created a system of checks and balances among the institutions of government, primarily to ensure that the government could not tyrannize the population. That is, power would not be concentrated enough to pose such a threat. The structure of government they established over two hundred years ago remains much the same today. Fragmented power does not prevent policy action, as the routine administration of current national policies and programs and the development of new policies clearly indicate.Â
Despite policy successes, the fragmented US Â political system generally makes it difficult for policymakers to respond to most public problems in a timely and coherent manner. Serious conflicts can develop between the federal government, the states, and localities, and between branches of government. Â
In your assignment, please answer the following questions (500 words max.):Â
- Do you agree that the current political system of checks and balances is fragmenting the US? Why or why not? Please provide evidence (In-text citations from the readings to support your arguments.)
- Generally speaking, would you rather live in a government with strong states and a weak national government or vice versa? Why did you answer as you did? Â Please provide evidence (In-text citations from the readings to support your arguments.)Â
- Please use APA in-text citations of the articles read or websites to strengthen your opinion/ argument. For help with APA style, please visit Purdue OWL: APA Formatting and Style Guide (Links to an external site.) or APA Style Guide
