Write a essay regarding the information below, 600 words, No plagiarism,

Critical Thinking Question #2 Federalism Briefly answer all the questions (2 paragraphs ) or choose one question to answer in detail. Write out your answers and submit in a Word Doc or RTF format. 1. The diversity of state laws and procedures creates an unfair situation for many citizens. For instance, the average felony conviction leads to thirteen months in jail in South Dakota, compared to almost five years in Massachusetts. Connecticut spends twice as much on public education as does Mississippi. Should the federal government have more power to require greater uniformity in policy among the states? What policies would you like to see equalized? (Be sure to provide facts and then base your opinion on these facts that you have provided in your answer). 2. Do you think all states should have to recognize gay marriages? If yes or no, why? Do you think all states should have to extradite prisoners back to a state that has the death penalty when that state does not? If yes or no, why? Should states be free to pass and enforce any laws they want to in regards to illegal immigrants? If yes or no, why? (Facts) 3. If you have lived in another state (if you have not-compare Texas to any other state on the following), compare that state's political culture with your present state's. Have you observed differences in public services? Quality of public education? Quality of politicians? In your opinion, which state has better government? Why? How can you explain the differences? (Facts) 4. In 1828, South Carolina proposed a doctrine of nullification, whereby states could decide for themselves if a federal law was contrary to the U.S. Constitution. If they decided it was, they could choose not to abide by it. The nullification efforts of the 1830s were unsuccessful, but it has been said that informal nullification goes on all the time, when unpopular federal laws or court rulings are disobeyed. An example is public schools that still have prayers at graduation or football games. Can we ever achieve complete obedience to the federal government? (Facts) 5. Do states give up all power to withdraw when they join a union of states, or do they still retain some control over their fate? Would a union last if states could leave? What challenges would states face if they operated alone? (Facts 6. The welfare reform legislation has devolved power to the states, in keeping with the theory of dual federalism. Given the variation in welfare services among the states, do you think that devolution will create greater inequalities? Contrast the changing role of the national government in welfare with its role in education. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of national government control of these areas. (Facts)