Federalism

Federalism

the sharing of power

The Federal System Connects the Nation and the States

The framers of the Constitution wanted a strong national government, but they also wanted the states to keep significant powers. They accomplished both goals by creating a federal system of government in which power is shared between the national and state governments.

Multiple Choice

A federal system of government in which power is shared between the national and state governments.

• Federalism

• Communism

• Socialism

Powers of the National Government (DC)

• declaring war 

• making treaties

• print and coin money

• regulate Commerce with foreign Nations and between states

• postal system

• military defense

• regulate immigration

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a power held only by the national government?

• making treaties with foreign countries

• taxes

Poll

Do you think the national government should have to share power with the states?

• Yes

• No

• Not sure

Powers of the States

• conduct elections

• local governments

• Schools

• Marriage, divorce, adoption

• commerce within the state

• fire and police

• licenses

Multiple Choice

True or False: State governments are allowed to have the power to control schools and marriages.

• True

• False

Shared Powers

• protect Rights of the people

• Taxes

• public health

• courts

• punish lawbreakers

• borrow money

• maintain roads

Multiple Choice

True/False:

The national and state governments both have the power to tax and to maintain roads.

• True

• False

Common Market

A free trade zone between the states.

1. goods and resources could flow more easily across the country, which is important because different regions do different things well.

2. made it easier to create large businesses that crossed state lines

3. helped to create a single national economy.

Multiple Choice

An advantage of a common market (free trade) is

• it created a single national economy.

• it made the president a dictator.

Law of the Land

Article VI states that the Constitution and the laws flowing from it are the “supreme Law of the Land,” which means that a state's constitution, laws, and judicial decisions must agree with the Constitution and must not conflict with any other federal laws or treaties.

 In addition, everyone who holds a state or federal office must promise to support the Constitution.

Multiple Choice

True/False:

The Constitution is known as the “supreme Law of the Land,” which means that a state's constitution, laws, and judicial decisions must agree with the Constitution.

• True

• False