Recurrently we hear it argued that the federal government has gotten too big, and infringes upon the rights of states. Calls for the de-funding of the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Endowment for the Arts, and now, the Affordable Healthcare Act. These national institutions were created at times in US history when a need, or even a threat to the union, was recognized and congress or the executive branch responded. Is it possible that the growth of the federal government is holistic and responsive to the needs of citizens, or is it truly out of control? Your research paper should be: 1. at minimum 800 words 2. 1.5 spaced if submitted in Microsoft Word 3. 12 pt font 4. Chicago (Author Year; page) or Turabian style (Author, year: page) in-text citations where appropriate; and 5. at least 3 reference citations.