PSC102 State and Local Government: Unit 1DB: Balance of Government Power, POST University, June 2025

 PSC102 State and Local Government: Unit 1DB: Balance of Government Power

Discuss whether the balance of governmental power should lean more toward either the national government or the states.  Please make sure to reference material you have learned from Unit 1 to defend your position. 

I really enjoyed the PowerPoint/PDF in our readings called “American Federalism.” It really broke down the points and explained them well. My favorite slide that said it all to me was Slide #3 called “Who has the power to do what?” I loved the description between Enumerated and Implied Powers and the General Welfare Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause 

I enjoyed the review of the 10^th and 14^th Amendments. The 10^th Amendment says, 

“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.” (Post University, 2025) 

The 14^th Amendment says, 

“Prohibits states from depriving individuals the rights and privileges of citizenship 

Requires states to provide due process and equal protection guarantees.” (Post University, 2025) 

As a Criminology major, I am a firm believer that the states must have their own powers and then within those states, the counties and cities each have their own powers. In massive states like California, this is necessary to break down the jurisdictions so that things can get done, rather than waiting for distant state powers in Sacramento to do something. 

Along the same line, it is necessary for states to have their own powers rather than waiting for distant Washington DC to do something. In massive countries like the US where each state is so unique based on their location and history, it is necessary for there to be separation of the states to do what is best for their own states. Then the federal government does their work to uphold the US Constitution, the basis of the country.  

 

References: 

Post University, 2025, American Federalism, PowerPoint presentation, Slide #3 “Who Has the Power to do What?”