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States regulate and promote businesses within their borders  because they help the state's economy.

By regulating businesses, they protect consumers.

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criminal code are the laws prohibiting crimes such as murder, rape, assault, burglary, and the sale and use of dangerous weapons or drugs.

States set up their own system of punishment.

Local governments follow these state systems.

State courts handle the great majority of all criminal cases in the U.S.

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The largest portion of state spending spent on these areas.

States finance about half of education costs.

States create policies that the school districts must follow.

States license doctors and dentists.

State health agencies create programs to care for mothers and children, treat contagious diseases, provide mental health care, etc.

Governments provide aid to people who cannot afford and/ or have disabilities with health care

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States regulate environmental issues.

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The Constitution states that citizens are granted privileges and immunities in several states.

This is so one state cannot discriminate unreasonably against citizens of another state.

To be considered a resident depends on the states rules of residency.

Some states require someone to live in a state for a certain period of time.

States can require people to establish residency before they can practice a profession

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The Constitution requires states to settle differences with one another peacefully.

They doe this with interstate compacts.

Congress must approve interstate compacts.

Once a compact has been signed and approved by Congress, it is binding.

States use compacts to deal with issues regarding air and water pollution, pest control, toll bridges, and transportation.

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If states do not settle peacefully, they may resort to lawsuits.

Suits among two or more states are heard in the U.S. Supreme Court.

States bring one another to court for a variety of reasons.

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A policy is a stated course of action for addressing certain problems or issues.

A public policy is when a government settles on a course of action.

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Public policy can be created at the national level with states following it.

This may happen if the federal government thinks the state is infringing citizens rights.

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The Court has interpreted the term commerce to mean almost any activity connected with producing, buying, selling, and transporting goods across state lines.

Recently, the Supreme Court has issued a few rulings that limit the legislative powers that the commerce clause grants to the federal government.

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Supporters of Stronger State and Local Government Powers

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Supporters of Stronger State and Local Government Powers

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Conservatives believe the Constitution sets clear limits on the power of the national government.

They believe that any doubt about whether a power belongs to the national government should be the states.

Believe state and local governments are closer to the people and better reflect the unique needs and wishes of their residents.

They argue that one size doesn't fit all.

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Supporters of Stronger National Government Powers

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Supporters of Stronger National Government Powers

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Liberals believe the Constitution confirms the Founders’ belief in the need for a strong national government.

They believe that under the Elastic Clause the national government should be expanded as necessary to carry out the will of the people.

Believe that the national government is better equipped to solve some major social and economic problems facing the nation.

They are likely to support national government standards and regulations.

They tend to see the national government important in making sure a person receives the same treatment and enjoys the same opportunities as citizens in other states.