In normal circumstances, the great continental power in the region would be expected to step in and maintain peace and stability on its borders.

FORBES: China Helped North Korea Target American Cities

Whereas most continental power providers, often state-backed, tied in supplies through long-term contracts (notably with Russia), British firms happily tapped the North Sea and planned to top up as necessary on the open market.

ECONOMIST: Britain's energy crisis

And, before 1917, it was clear that Russia had to be a player in any conceivable continental balance of power.

ECONOMIST: Russia's awkward position in Europe's jigsaw

Liberals praise diversity but generally urge courts to permissively construe the Constitution in order to validate federal power to impose continental uniformities.

FORBES: Conservatives Should Oppose DOMA

The Founding Fathers could have empowered the federal government to print paper money, a power enjoyed by the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation.

FORBES: Give The Gold Standard Its Due

Their continental peers are more suspicious of the strength of incumbent power companies in some countries.

ECONOMIST: Is there life after Enron in Europe's power markets?

Picks up a satellite signal within seconds of power up and comes pre-loaded with maps of the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

ENGADGET: Live at the Sony press preview

Continental policymakers should also be examining whether their national parliamentary systems need a genuine devolution of power and responsibility to the people.

FORBES: Fact And Comment

In Connecticut, power prices have soared over the past decade and are currently the highest for any state in the continental United States.

FORBES: Clean Energy Tops Agenda in Connecticut