What limits, if any, should there be on the federal government in its efforts to spearhead change that is supported by a significant or majority of the population – or, conversely, to block popular state and localized movements? For example, civil rights for minorities was an issue that was supported by the majority of the population but was explicitly illegal or undermined by several states. More recently, same-sex marriage has been legalized nearly everywhere, in line with popular majority opinion, but through federal actions rather than state efforts. On the flip side, states and local governments have increasingly approved legalized marijuana despite the still-existing federal ban on its use.
