State Government

General Information related to Federalism

The US Constitution and Federalism• The Framers set up a

federal system where both the central/national government and the several state governments share powers

States have rights

• They cannot be merged or divided without consent

• Each state has a national guard

• Each state can govern itself as long as it doesn’t violate the Constitution

Federal Supremacy (Powers)

• Reserved Powers – the tenth amendment to the Constitution gives the states powers not granted to the federal government and not denied to the states– Ex. Make marriage and

divorce laws, regulate education, and hold elections

Federal Supremacy (Powers)

• Concurrent Powers – those powers that the states and the national government share– Ex. Levying taxes and

borrowing money

Federal Supremacy (Powers)

• Expressed Powers – only those powers issued to the national government; also known as delegated or enumerated powers

Federal Supremacy

• The National Government is supreme (Article IV of the US Constitution – The Supremacy Clause)

• If there is a conflict between a state and the national government, the national government will typically win.

States’ Rights v. Nationalists

• Some people believe that state governments are closer to the people, therefore the national government should be more limited– States’ Rights

States’ Rights v. Nationalists

• While others believe that people created the national government, therefore they should be able to do what is necessary and proper to carry out their duties– Nationalists

States’ Rights v. Nationalists

• The balance of power has shifted position throughout our history and likely will continue to do so

Government Cooperation

• Both the national and state governments work together to insure the health, safety and welfare of citizens