Not in Constitution? People and State come into play.
Illegal immigration is one of the most politically charged topics in America today. There is no language in the federal constitution regulating immigration into the United States. In 2010, the state of Arizona passed its own immigration legislation, expanding the state's authority in targeting illegal aliens. The legislation has drawn significant criticism by civil rights groups who claim it legalizes racial profiling. (Bill of Rights)
Why is this a big deal?
“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.”
-Bill of Rights, Amendment 10
An contemporary news article that relates to the powers or rights in the scenario can be found here.
Recently, a new law took effect in North Carolina. The new legislation allowed employees who issues marriage certificates to refuse to complete paperwork for gay couples by asking for their religious beliefs. As a result, gay couples might have to wait longer at court houses, and completing paper works for gay couples might fall into the hands of a few if other employees opt out. This new legislation is used to denied gay couples of their right to marry under the pretense of religion. In the article, Shawn Long said that "they are using their religion to dictate what government services someone can get."
There is nowhere in the Constitution that talk about gay marriage. There the topic of gay marriage falls under the people and the states. In amendment 10 of the Bill of Rights, it said that whatever power not delegated to the Federal Government can be decided by the states or the people. In this case, the concern is gay marriage. Because the Constitution does not mention anything about gay marriage, the federal government does not have the power to control sexual preferences. As a result, it is left up to the people and for the states to decide. In the news article, we see some of the decisions a state government makes about gay marriage when the Constitution did not delegate that power to the United States.
Political Cartoon
Why is this a big deal?
“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.”
-Bill of Rights, Amendment 10
An contemporary news article that relates to the powers or rights in the scenario can be found here.
Recently, a new law took effect in North Carolina. The new legislation allowed employees who issues marriage certificates to refuse to complete paperwork for gay couples by asking for their religious beliefs. As a result, gay couples might have to wait longer at court houses, and completing paper works for gay couples might fall into the hands of a few if other employees opt out. This new legislation is used to denied gay couples of their right to marry under the pretense of religion. In the article, Shawn Long said that "they are using their religion to dictate what government services someone can get."
There is nowhere in the Constitution that talk about gay marriage. There the topic of gay marriage falls under the people and the states. In amendment 10 of the Bill of Rights, it said that whatever power not delegated to the Federal Government can be decided by the states or the people. In this case, the concern is gay marriage. Because the Constitution does not mention anything about gay marriage, the federal government does not have the power to control sexual preferences. As a result, it is left up to the people and for the states to decide. In the news article, we see some of the decisions a state government makes about gay marriage when the Constitution did not delegate that power to the United States.
Political Cartoon
In 2010, the state of Arizona passed its own immigration legislation, expanding the state's authority in targeting illegal aliens. In the political cartoon, the artist is criticizing the state of Arizona for legalizing racial profiling. Instead of stopping drivers for speeding or other crimes, the police of Arizona stopped the driver with dark skin and used colored paper to match his skin color. After finding out that the driver is not white enough for their standards, they treat the driver like a criminal. The artist is condemning Arizona for their legislation that allowed police to racial profile and violate the civil rights of immigrants.
Amendment 10 stated that powers not delegated to the federal government will be left to the matters of the state government and the people. Because immigration was not mentioned in the Constitution, it was left to the state government. As a result, Arizona's state government can decide on immigration legislation. As a result, the political cartoon shows how Arizona cops are targeting immigrants and discriminating them based on skin color.
Amendment 10 stated that powers not delegated to the federal government will be left to the matters of the state government and the people. Because immigration was not mentioned in the Constitution, it was left to the state government. As a result, Arizona's state government can decide on immigration legislation. As a result, the political cartoon shows how Arizona cops are targeting immigrants and discriminating them based on skin color.