The Founders of the United States gave much consideration to the division of responsibility between federal and state governments. They strove to strike a balance between an overbearing central government (such as the British government that had ruled them before the Revolution) and an overreliance on local governments (such as the structure of US government under the Articles of Confederation). Many citizens today continue to debate the correct balance between federal and state government.

What is your position? Name some areas of conflict where you think the powers are improperly balanced. Name some areas where you think the balance works well.