Has Uncle Sam Gained Weight?

Fat Uncle Sam image – mariokang wordpress.com site

This post is part of a 2012 monthly series of MySheCave.com posts on the topic of the U.S Constitution.

Often during political campaign periods in the U.S., we hear from candidates who tout the importance of “states’ rights” — the political powers reserved to individual U.S. states versus the U.S. federal government.

For example, in the past, Texas governor and former 2012 presidential candidate Rick Perry has been outspoken in his support of the concept of states’ rights and the sovereignty of his home state.  Watch this video of Governor Perry declaring Texas’ sovereignty.

Did you know which Article within the U.S. Constitution outlines the duties of the states in relation to each other and the federal government?  Article Four outlines the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal government with respect to the states and details the authority given to the states.

Beyond Article Four, the Tenth Amendment goes one step further in addressing the powers given to the states stating:

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

States’ rights advocates, such as Perry, often reference Amendment X in their speeches.

Besides Rick Perry, are you aware of other U.S. politicians who are states’ rights proponents?  And, how important is the concept of states’ rights to you?  Do you know of any U.S. states that currently have individual laws or regulations that you think are strange or unjust?

Last, do you think the level of power between the U.S. federal government and the U.S. states is well balanced at this time in U.S. history?

Is Uncle Sam maintaining a healthy weight, or does he need to go on a diet?