Implications of Legalizing the Illegal In the recent 2012 election, the states of Colorado and Washington passed a law that would legalize marijuana in their respected states. Though they are the first to completely legalize the substance, other states, like California, have passed similar laws allowing for medicinal use. Despite the fact that these laws were passed by the voters of Colorado and Washington, the use, possession and distribution of marijuana is punishable by federal law. By allowing the law to go into affect, both states have changed the course of political and popular culture and violated principle concepts of the constitution and federalism. The legalization of Marijuana has also brought forth tensions that question American politics, the constitution and federalism. American political and popular culture has been defined by major events and influences in American history dating back to the 16th century. The influences of the Puritans, Thomas Pain, and John Locke are all deeply rooted within American politics. As a consequence of these impacts, tensions rose within political culture. The Puritans greatly believed in a sense of community, and therefore created a local self-government. However, both Locke and Paine viewed natural and individual rights were sacred, and not the community. In fact, Paine believed that the national government should be limited from individuality, and should solely represent popular opinion. These two opposite beliefs created a strain that not only influenced political culture, but the founding of the Unites States as well. The legalization of marijuana illustrates these tensions evident in political culture. Both Paine and Locke believed in individual freedom, and the right to pursue happiness. The states of Colorado and Washington represent these rights and beliefs of the individual voter and state. However, the