Question: 1. Colorado and Washington have legalized marijuana use with both states instituting regulatory systems somewhat like those for alcohol. Marijuana use remains illegal under federal law, but as previously noted, the Obama administration has announced that it will not aggressively enforce federal standards as long as the states establish satisfactory regulatory oversight. Should the federal government enforce its criminal laws in those states? Should the federal government attempt to preempt the state laws, asserting that those laws are in unconstitutional conflict with federal law? Explain.
2. The Des Moines Register advocated a free-market approach to cable television, labeling it a "nonessential activity."
a. Should the government be involved in regulating only those products and services that we cannot do without? Explain.
b. Do you trust the free market? The government? Both? Neither? Explain.
c. Do you think the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is necessary to reduce the risk of a future banking crisis such as the one we have faced in recent years? Explain.