The US Remains Federal

Question 1

Constitution

Answer 1

The Constitution still guarantees federal processes will take place in America, and means that the states have rights - because of the 10th amendment.

Question 2

Laws in States

Answer 2

States can act as labs of democracy and policy, by testing out new policies, democratic processes and regulations, which can then be expanded to the rest of the nation. For example, abortion restrictions in some states have been upheld as constitutional, and so similar laws have been put in place in other states.
States can have a high degree of control over their lawmaking and the actions of their citizens. For example, cannabis is now legal for recreational use in 24 states and Washington, DC.

Question 3

Voting

Answer 3

Citizens get a degree of control over the policies of their states, which can tailor the policies of each state to the desires of its citizens. At elections, ballot measures are put up for citizens to vote on, such as raising the minimum wage, and (before 2015) the legalisation of gay marriage.

Question 4

Social Policy

Answer 4

States still have high levels of control over social policy – for example, despite concerted efforts, there is still no standardised curriculum or assessment criteria for education.

Question 5

State Governments

Answer 5

All states have their own governments and constitutions which continue to operate independently from the federal government.

Question 6

Supreme Court

Answer 6

Supreme court has supported states’ rights.