The federal government needs greater powers to influence how national policies are implemented at the state level. These powers can help the federal government to improve many aspects of governance in several states. Greater powers can make the federal government to implement strong policies, which radically change living conditions of many citizens in the country.
The federal government has the capacity to solve crucial issues at the state level, which may have national implications. Some state governments have limited resources and abilities to solve crucial economic and social problems which affect their residents (Farber & Sherry, 2008, p. 68). The federal government can help such states to solve their problems, in order to guarantee their citizens better living conditions.
A strong federal government can be able to pursue noble causes which have the support of many citizens countrywide. The federal government can rally it citizens towards a national objective that benefits them in the country. The federal government is well placed to encourage coordination between states, to foster national unity.
Farber and Sherry (2008) assert that, the federal government can help state governments solve crucial issues in their jurisdictions (p. 70). The federal government needs to be more involved in implementation of policies at the state level, to ensure that resources are managed properly.
The federal government needs to be given more powers to override state policies. However, the federal government should respect limits set by the constitution whenever it seeks to override state policies. Any amendments to the constitution should respect the balance of power between federal and state governments.
If the federal government chooses to override state laws, it should be done in accordance with the constitution. The federal government needs only to intervene in cases where personal liberties are contravened by state policies contrary to the constitution (Farber & Sherry, 2008, p. 71). The federal government needs more powers to protect the rights of its citizens from being infringed.
Some state and local governments are well equipped to handle modern public and policy challenges. However, some state and local governments have problems funding their public policy plans, which are important to the welfare of their citizens. John (2012) reveals that, many states have not been able to fund their public pension plans.
This situation can harm the national economy if not taken care of promptly. Some states have been asking the federal government to help them settle their financial problems. Other states have also faced difficulties in providing quality healthcare and housing for their citizens. This shows that some states are not well equipped to handle complex needs of their taxpayers.
Some state governments lack the necessary expertise required to solve challenges they are facing. Even though this is partly true, some problems which state governments face happen because of their failure to plan. Some public programs are poorly managed because state governments fail to monitor the accountability of their public workers (John, 2012).
Some state governments have incurred unnecessary expenditures as a result of investing in unviable projects. Taxpayers bear the risk of poor performance by state governments. State governments need to come up with effective measures to limit problems caused by poor implementation of public policies. State and local governments need to restructure their operations to take note of modern economic and social realities.
References
Farber, D.A & Sherry, S. (2008). Judgement calls: Principle and politics in constitutional law. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
John, D.C (2012). States created their public pension problems, and states should solve them. Heritage Foundation Retirement Security Web Memo. Web.