why has the national government's power increased since the constitution was ratified? Explain fully.
We've fought wars that strengthened the federal government. As a people, we've also learned that the federal government can unify us and rid the people of some of the prejudices of sectionalism.
The national government's power has increased since the ratification of the Constitution due to various factors. Understanding this requires analyzing the Constitution itself, as well as historical events and legal interpretations.
First, the Constitution created a system of checks and balances, dividing power among three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial. Over time, the national government's power has expanded within these branches through legal and constitutional interpretations. For example, the Supreme Court, through landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison, established its authority to interpret and apply the Constitution, effectively expanding the power of the judicial branch.
Additionally, the commerce clause of the Constitution, found in Article I, Section 8, has been broadly interpreted by the federal government, allowing it to regulate various aspects of interstate commerce. This interpretation has provided the national government with more authority in regulating economic activities and industries that affect multiple states.
Furthermore, the national government's power has increased through the expansion of federal programs and policies. This can be seen in the growth of social welfare programs such as Social Security and Medicare, which involve significant federal oversight and involvement in areas traditionally left to state and local governments.
Another significant factor is the "necessary and proper" clause, also known as the elastic clause, found in Article I, Section 8. This clause has been interpreted to grant the federal government implied powers to carry out its enumerated powers. As a result, the national government has been able to take on responsibilities not explicitly stated in the Constitution, leading to an expansion of its power.
It is important to note that the increase in national government power has not been without controversy. There have been ongoing debates about the balance of power between the national government and state governments, as some argue that an overreaching national government infringes upon the principles of federalism.
To fully understand the evolution of the national government's power since the Constitution's ratification, it is essential to study historical events, such as the New Deal era in the 1930s and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, which prompted the national government to take on more responsibilities and powers.
In conclusion, the national government's power has increased since the ratification of the Constitution due to factors like legal interpretations, expansion of federal programs, the commerce clause, and the necessary and proper clause. Understanding the development of the national government's power requires a thorough analysis of constitutional law, historical events, and ongoing debates about federalism.