Briefly answer the following: The United States is a rapidly changing, diverse,

Question

Briefly answer the following:

The United States is a rapidly changing, diverse, immigrant nation. Discuss this with respect to the broader question, who are we? Discuss the various waves of immigrants that make us the diverse nation that we are today.

When it comes to religion, the United States is different from most wealthy societies. How? Illustrate with examples of where religion plays an important role in politics in the United States.

Explain the concept of CHECKS AND BALANCES in the US Government. Describe each branch's check on the other two.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Federalism? Explain with examples.

Explanation / Answer

Federalism is a political system in which the powers are divided between the central government and numerous regional governments. Advantages of Federalism:- 1. One of the most important points of federalism in dividing the power between the national government and state governments, and spreading the national government’s power among three branches that serve as a check and balance on each other, is that it serves as a deterrent to tyranny and runaway power. The protections US have in their system against a tyrannical, runaway government are one of the most important points to why the system was designed the way it was. 2.By not centralizing all power into the hands of a national government, but sharing that power with state governments, which are closer to the level of the common citizen, the founders actually increased a citizen’s ability to effect their government, government policy, and lawmaking. 3. When some of the power of the government is dispersed among the states, giving states the right to solve some of their own problems, you allow for more efficiency within the system. To try to have a national solution to all problems, which could be refered to as a ‘cookie-cutter method’ of law and policy making, you end up with solutions that are more effective in some states, and less effective in others. To allow states to create solutions to their own problems, using policies and laws that work best in their state, means that each state can come up with its own solution, making government more efficient. 4.The closer a government entity is to its citizens, the more likely it is the respond to the needs of citizens. States are more likely to listen to citizen needs, and respond to them, than the national government would be. Disadvantages:- 1.It Allows for Inequalities Between Different States – For example, instead of education funding throughout the country being the same, since it is a state issue, some states will spend more, per capita, on education than other states, causing what could be considered a disparity. The same goes for other things, as well, such as taxes, health care programs, and welfare programs. 2.The Blockage of Nationalist Policies by States – States can fight against the existence of certain national laws by challenging them in court, or going out of their way to not enforce those national laws, or even deliberately obstructing enforcement of national laws. 3.Leads To A Lack Of Accountability: The overlap of the boundaries among national and state governments makes it tricky to assign blame for failed policies. 4.It promotes regional inequalities. Natural resources, industries, employment opportunities differ from region to region. Hence, earnings and wealth are unevenly distributed. Rich states offer more opportunities and benefits to its citizens than poor states. Thus, the gap between rich and poor states widens. Critics argue that federalism cannot function well due to ignorance. Most Americans know little about their state and local governments, and turnout in state and local elections is often less than 25 percent. Citizens consequently often ignore state and local governments, even though these governments have a lot of power to affect people’s lives. Thus, it is understandable that there have been both pros and cons of federalism in the USA. There is a general feeling that the rights of the minorities, like blacks, are compromised in USA. But at the same time, the United States now, has a democratically elected African-American President. Due to time limit,remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation

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