The debate over how to handle the division of powers between the states and the federal government has been prevalent since the beginning. The founders understood that this decision would have a lasting influence on the types of policies implemented and how the impact would be perceived by citizens. This would all depend on whether the laws came from Washington DC or state capitals (Barbour and Wright, 78). In light of this, the Founders established the United States government on the basis of an equal division of power between the federal and state governments, as outlined in the Constitution and the Tenth Amendment. However, in recent years I believe the country has decided to give more power to the federal government. In this article I argue that, despite the current transition towards a strong centralized government, a balanced system based on the federalism intended by the founders is the best option for the distribution of power. A division of powers between the states and the federal government creates a system that is better equipped to meet the needs of its populations. Each state has different needs and traditions from the other. Considering these differences, moral pluralism should come into play in a federalist system, as explained by Jonathan Rauch. Moral pluralism provides states with the power to make their own judgments on matters where a national moral consensus is lacking (Rauch, 104). For example, states would be divided in their options on topics involving sensitive topics such as abortion and gay marriage. Another concept explained by Rauch as a positive aspect of federalism for states is that of experimentation. In experimentation, states employ different policies based on… half of the paper… to emerge. In conclusion, a system based on balanced federalism was originally envisioned by the founders and represents the best option for an efficient government. It is essential that powers are distributed in such a way that states deal with state issues and the national government does not exceed its role as an organizing factor in the system. With regards to the recent shift towards a central government one can only hope that the nation will exercise caution as it moves forward and that power will be shifted back towards the balance between the federal and state governments. Works Cited “26 States Join Lawsuit Against Obama Healthcare Law.” Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/18/states-join-obama-health-care-lawsuit-fla/ (accessed November 18, 2011).McClenaghan, William A. and Frank Abbott Magruder. Magruder's American government. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson, 2010.