Assignment Task:
Do you think that the polarization in Congress and the attendant problems that come with it should result in a fundamental realignment of power from the national government back to the states?
Or do you think that it is more important to find ways to reduce polarization in Congress while maintaining national dominance over the states?
Depending on how you answer, be sure to address the following:
If you advocate returning more power to the states:
How should states make certain that services like education are roughly equal across the country?
Further, how will states make sure that the rights of individuals are protected uniformly without a national government check?
If you advocate in favor of reducing polarization in Congress:
How would you go about doing this?
Some argue that polarization is fueled by gerrymandering, huge amounts of time raising money for elections instead of getting to know fellow lawmakers, or some combination of the two. Which of these two (or both, or something else) do you think is accurate, and what would you change?