After Superstorm Sandy hit the U.S., we saw an outpouring of support from governmental entities such as FEMA. However, there were also suggestions that each state should fend for itself. In fact, former presidential candidate Governor Mitt Romney even suggested states should take responsibility for their own disaster responses. This would mean halting any assistance from the federal government, even if states don’t have funds to pay for relief.

Should federal government assistance be the solution to all our problems, like disaster relief? Can issues like climate change, health care, and women’s rights only be solved with the help of a larger power? Or are there actions we can take to make things better on the state or local levels?

The role of government
For years, the role of the federal government has been part of a system of checks and balances.  It is an entity through which we oversee our citizens, part of a framework that maintains and creates legislation nationwide. However, depending on your political stance, the proper range of this role may vary.

For instance, Republicans typically want the role of the government to be smaller, while Democrats favor a larger one. However, the majority of voters prefer a mixture. According to The Washington Post, “While most voters want a smaller government, majorities also support government spending to create jobs (vs. tax cuts) and lament an economic system that favors the wealthy (vs. onerous government regulations)…” Even if major political parties have strong views of the government, the American people would rather the role be a combination of the two outlooks.

Why we need to act, too
However, does this mean the federal government is the universal solution to all problems? Should we wait for our political leaders to create the right legislation or should we take more active roles in our government? There are two answers to this thought.

First, we need to acknowledge the role the federal government plays in our everyday lives, from local to national. We need to understand that without the help of the government, we may be living in disarray. However, we also need to realize we play a role in the solution-making process as well. We have voices. We have ideas. We have the power to create real, long-lasting change. But how?

What resources can help us?
Our voices tend to be lost among the extreme political ideas and arguments, apathetic leaders, and efforts to patch outdated legislation. However, when we actively participate in our government, we help move the balance of power to a point where the people’s voices are heard. First though, we need to express ourselves so our elected officials know what we want. That’s why we created PeopleCount.org — a tool through which we can communicate to our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. Only then can our desires guide government . Only then can we feel responsible for the outcome.

Should the federal government be the universal solution? No. Should we be taking a more active role so we can be part of the solution? Yes, of course. By taking an active role, we can put the power back in the hands of the people and create the changes we long to see.

What do you think? Should the federal government be the universal solution?