The powers of national and state governments

The U.S. Constitution establishes a government based on "federalism”

Federalism: the sharing of power between the national, and state (and local) governments

Federalism is the opposite of "centralized" governments

Each of the 50 states has its own constitution

All provisions of state constitutions must comply with the U.S. Constitution Example: a state constitution cannot deny

accused criminals the right to a trial by jury, as assured by the U.S. Constitution's 6th Amendment.

The U.S. Constitution grants both the national and state governments two types of powers:

1. Exclusive2. Shared

Exclusive Powers of the National Government

1. Print money (bills and coins)2. Declare war3. Establish an army and navy4. Enter into treaties with foreign governments5. Regulate commerce between states and

international trade6. Establish post offices and issue postage7. Make laws necessary to enforce the Constitution

Exclusive Powers of State Governments

1. Establish local governments2. Issue licenses (driver, hunting, marriage, etc.)3. Regulate intrastate (within the state) commerce4. Conduct elections5. Ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution6. Provide for public health and safety7. Exercise powers neither delegated to the national

government or prohibited from the states by the U.S.

8. Constitution (For example, setting legal drinking and smoking ages.)

Powers Shared by National and State Government

(“Concurrent” Powers)1. Setting up courts2. Creating and collecting taxes3. Building highways4. Borrowing money5. Making and enforcing laws6. Chartering banks and corporations7. Spending money for the betterment of the general

welfare8. Taking (condemning) private property with just

compensation