Evolution of State Power in the United States

State power refers to the authority and control exercised by state governments over their respective regions. In the United States, this power is shared between the federal and state governments, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The Evolution of State Power

Before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, state governments held significant power, which was evident in the structure and framework of the Articles of Confederation. National government power was limited, as it lacked a president and a system of federal courts. State legislatures appointed their own Congressional representatives and had the authority to collect taxes from their citizens. However, this distribution of authority was not sustainable, as it led to difficulties in conducting national business and ensuring financial credibility for the new country's government.

To address these issues, the framers of the U.S. Constitution aimed to establish a more effective division of power between the federal and state governments. They settled on a system where power would be shared, with the national government having core duties and the state governments having their own duties. This structure, known as federalism, allocates powers to the states and federal government, structures the relationship between these two levels of government, and guides state-to-state relationships.

Balance of Power

The Constitution grants explicit powers to the national government through expressed powers, which are clearly spelled out in the body of the Constitution, and implied powers, which are inferred from the elastic clause in Article I, Section 8. These powers include provisions for healthcare, the expansion of power to levy and collect taxes, and regulation of interstate commerce. Furthermore, the supremacy clause in Article VI declares that any conflict in law between the central (or federal) government and the regional (or state) governments is resolved in favor of the federal government.

Despite these provisions, the framers still recognized the important role of the states in the new government. States were given a host of powers independent of those enjoyed by the national government. For instance, they now had the power to establish local governments and account for the structure, function, and responsibilities of these governments within their state constitutions.

Perspectives on State Power

Public opinion on state versus federal power has shifted over the years. In 1936, a majority of Americans favored federal government power, but by 1981, this had flipped, with more Americans preferring state power. More recent polling shows that Americans continue to hold the federal government in low regard and express a preference for greater state power over certain issues, such as abortion and gun control.

Implications of State Power

If states continue to gain power and control over key issues and policies, there could be several consequences. Potential outcomes include sharpening the line between the current red and blue states, changes in business relocation decisions, and increased influence of state governments in various policy areas.

In summary, state power in the United States is shared between the federal and state governments, with the Constitution providing a framework for this division of power. The balance of power has shifted over time, and public opinion continues to influence the role of state governments in the country's governance.