Should local governments mandate masks to limit the spread of the coronavirus? Many states and municipalities have already done so, prompting debates on the Right about whether this is a proper exercise of government power or a step too far.

While the federal government does not have the constitutional authority to issue a nationwide mask mandate, state and local governments do have a broad “police power” that legally allows them to pass such regulations to protect public health and safety. The political question remains whether this is the best policy. Libertarian and conservative critics who say no and cite “freedom” miss the mark.