Govt2305 Discussion 2 - Federalism and Marijuana

Discussion Board Govt 2305

Discussion 2--Federalism and Marijuana

Program-Level Objectives met with this assignment:

• Communication 
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Personal Responsibility 
• Social Responsibility 

Course-Level Objectives met with this assignment:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
• Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government.
• Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
• Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics

Activity for Assessment:

This discussion will help you learn more about the system of federalism.  The term federalism is defined as "the sharing of power between the national, state, and local governments", and Article VI in the US Constitution states the federal government is the supreme entity (in a nut shell). For this assessment, the completed research will help you further understand the complicated relationship of these entities. Start with reading pages 82-83 (What's at stake), the following articles:  

https://theglobepost.com/2019/02/21/us-marijuana-policy/ 

https://www.gq.com/story/texas-weed-laws-oops 

AND the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0gosGXSgsI&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtOfse2ncvffeelTrqvhrz8H&index=4 

• Explain federalism.
• Should the federal government have the power under Article VI to reverse laws that were established under the 10th Amendment and though state-wide voting by its citizens?  Why or why not?
• Based on the text article, how is this issue being handled by the federal government and the states?
• Based on the web article, what are questions of federalism being faced by the federal government and states?
• What potential impact could this have on the states that have already adopted some type of marijuana law (medicinal, recreational, decriminalization) with regards their economy?  Think, business, travel and tourism, etc. 
• What role should citizens play in this issue?  What stake might citizens have with regards to how a state might manage this issue? 
• Lastly, what are your overall feelings about the continuous fight between federal power and states rights?  Should there be more or less emphasis given to the states to govern the people living within them or for continuity amongst all citizens, should the federal government really be in charge?  Explain.