Final answer:
The ban on smoking in all restaurants, stores, and government offices by a small town's government exemplifies the principle of Police Power, which is a state's authority to regulate for public health and safety under federalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government of a small town has decided to ban smoking in all restaurants, stores, and government offices. This is an example of the principle of Police Power. Police power is a fundamental aspect of state sovereignty and refers to the capacity of the states to regulate behavior and enforce order within their territory for the betterment of the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of their inhabitants. The police power is derived from the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which gives states all powers not specifically delegated to the federal government.
Under federalism, states possess the authority to exercise their own police powers. While the federal government holds certain enumerated powers granted by the Constitution, states retain the ability to create and enforce laws in areas such as public health and safety, which are most directly impactful to their citizens' daily lives. Therefore, a town or city's decision to ban smoking in public places is reflective of its duty to protect public health and welfare and is consistent with the powers reserved under the concept of federalism.