B7

A) 1) A federal system of government shares power between two or more levels of government. For example, in the U.S. both the states and the central government have separate powers and cannot overstep their bounds into the other's jurisdiction. One advantage to this is an extension of the system of checks and balances found within the American central government. Power is shared between local and federal branches, ensuring that no one person or branch has too much strength within a nation. In addition, federalism can help protect minority rights. Having more localized government retain power nationally allows minority voices to be heard on the national level.

    2) A unitary system, in which the central government holds absolute authority over state and local governments, would reduce a lot of stress and political turmoil in the U.S. The federal branches would be able to accomplish their goals much more efficiently and with less hassle. This would also mean less costs, lower budgets, and lower taxes. The central power would have no need to go through the process of seeking approval from state representatives for their actions. For example, amending the Constitution requires ratification of a proposed amendment by thirty-eight of the fifty states. In a unitary government, amendments could be proposed and passed without the time, energy, and money put into the state legislatures' decision to ratify or deny the proposal.

B) 1) The national government is given the power, in the Constitution, to regulate trade between states. This was a practical and wise power to give the federal government because it would be impossible for states to regulate their own commerce. Each state's representatives' look out for the well-being of their own state and so would not be able to be objective or fair in making laws to control their trade with other states. Giving this power to the national government ensures that decisions regarding interstate commerce will be made by someone who is examining the big picture and is  looking out for the good of the nation as a whole.

    2) One power reserved solely for the states is taking measures to ensure public health and safety. While the federal government can create programs such as medicare and medicaid to help provide health care it is also important for local governments to be able to address issues specific to their area. Local governments are able to look for closely at problems occurring within a certain district and are able to find solutions that match the population living in that area. While the federal government is assisting citizens on a larger scale it is also important for states to be able to help their residents more specifically and with a more informed approach.

   3) Both national and state governments are able to tax American citizens. This means that people benefit from infrastructure and government programs on both a federal and local scale. For example, federal taxes might help to build and maintain an interstate highway system that increases business between states as well as creates more opportunities for tourism. Therefore a community in one state is benefiting from the patronage of another state as a result of federal action. However, state taxes might help support the public school system allowing local students to receive a better education when a school is able to hire more teachers, buy necessary equipment, and fund extra-curricular activities. U.S. citizens benefit immensely from government action funded by their taxes on both a national and state level.