Why is it important for these powers to belong to congress rather than to individual states ?
The states could never agree on most of these powers that involve the United States government.
http://www.google.com/#q=congress+Delegated+powers
Which powers?
Delegated powers
why is it important for these powers to belong to congress rather than to individual states
It is important for certain powers to belong to Congress rather than individual states for several reasons. The founders of the United States deliberately designed a system of government with a separation of powers and a balanced distribution of authority to ensure a functioning and stable federal system. Here's why it's important:
1. National Unity: The powers given to Congress help foster a sense of national unity and promote the common good of the entire country. By vesting certain powers in a central authority, such as Congress, it avoids fragmentation and potential conflicts among states. This, in turn, allows for the smooth functioning of a cohesive nation.
2. Uniformity and Consistency: Congress is responsible for making laws that apply uniformly across all states. This helps create consistency in regulations, policies, and procedures, ensuring that citizens and businesses are treated fairly and equally regardless of where they are in the country. If powers were solely in the hands of individual states, there would be a lack of national standards and potential disparities that could create confusion and hinder interstate commerce.
3. National Defense and Security: Congress has the power to declare war, raise and support armed forces, and regulate the military. This centralized authority is critical for maintaining a strong defense and protecting the nation's security. If individual states had their own militaries and could engage in war without congressional oversight, it would lead to potential conflicts of interest and undermine national security.
4. Foreign Relations: Congress holds the power to regulate foreign commerce, negotiate treaties, and declare war. These powers allow the federal government to speak and act with one voice on the international stage, ensuring consistent foreign policies and maintaining diplomatic relations with other nations. Having individual states negotiate with foreign entities independently could create conflicting interests, confusion, and an ineffective national foreign policy.
5. Balancing State Interests: Congress acts as a check on individual states by ensuring that the interests of one state do not overshadow the interests of the entire nation. It serves as a forum for negotiations and compromises to balance the needs and concerns of different states, preventing the domination of more populous or powerful states over smaller ones.
To understand why these powers were given to Congress, you can refer to the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, which outlines the powers granted to Congress. By analyzing the debates during the Constitutional Convention and the writings of the Founding Fathers like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, you can gain deeper insights into their rationale for allocating certain powers to the federal government rather than individual states.