Dance Moms and The Three Branches of Government
1. Explanation: Limited government is the concept that the government has certain restrictions created by the constitution that keep it from becoming too powerful.
2. Connection to constitution:
a.) The constitution demonstrates limited government in article ten, which states that all powers not specifically assigned to the federal government in the constitution belong to the states. This shows limited government because it is
Limited Government
giving the states power to deal with a lot of issues.
b.) Another example of limited government in the constitution is the Bill of Rights. This is the first ten amendments to the constitution which states the individual rights of the people. This shows limited government because it is giving the people power over the government.
3. Connection to Dance Moms:
Limited government is shown in the show Dance Moms because ultimately, although Abby seems intimidating, the moms and their daughters have control over their own actions. Therefore they have the power to leave Abby’s studio whenever they would like to.
4. Connection to a current event:
The United States is struggling with limited government through the issue of same sex marriage. The decision of legalizing same sex marriage belongs to the states according to the constitution (article 10). But, this means that a partnership could be legally married in one state but outside of that state they are not married. This is a controversial topic because to give people full rights of marriage they would need to change the law which creates limited government.
Citation:
"Same-Sex Marriage Lawsuits Exploding in U.S. Courts." NBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
5. Limited Government in an Era of Unlimited Harm:
Based on this article I feel that the national government is too limited. This is because some issues not stated in the constitution currently belong to the states. This is a problem because by doing this we are creating a separation between the states which ends up affecting us all. For example, with the issue of climate change we are unable to make a reliable decision on how to help our environment. By this inconsistancy, we are impacting not only us, but the entire world.
6. Definitions:
a.) Expressed Powers: Specific powers granted to congress in article 1 section 8 of the constitution.
b.) Implied Powers: Powers that are not directly said but can be implied by the context of the constitution.
c.) Reserved Powers: Powers that are saved or left to one specific group.
d.) Concurrent Powers: Powers which are held by both the national and state governments.