Problem: discussion reply to The U.S. Department of Education, created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, has been at the center of debate since its founding. Carter saw the Department as a way to bring national attention to education, coordinate federal programs, and ensure civil rights protections for students (Smith, 2020). Critics, however, often argue that the Constitution's Tenth Amendment reserves educational authority to the states since education is not explicitly mentioned as a federal responsibility. This belief led leaders like President Ronald Reagan and President Donald Trump to call for reducing or eliminating the Department, both arguing that states should have the primary say in education policy (Smith, 2020). Supporters see the Department as a necessary tool for maintaining national consistency and protecting the rights of all students. On a national level, the Department plays a major role in administering federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and student loans, making higher education possible for millions. It also provides funding to K-12 schools, particularly those serving large populations of low-income students through programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. These efforts aim to reduce inequities and expand opportunity for students who might otherwise be left behind (Smith, 2020). Civil rights enforcement is another key function. The Department works to ensure that students are not discriminated against based on race, gender. Need Assignment Help?