The Federal System

What is it? System of government created by the U.S. Constitution that divides governmental power between national and state governments.

The Constitutional Division of Powers The Constitution divides powers into 3 categories: – Expressed – Concurrent – Reserved

Expressed Powers Powers specifically granted to the national government Examples: – Coin money – Postal System – Maintain military – Declare War – Regulate interstate and international commerce – Immigration – Negotiate treaties

How can we remember expressed powers? Expressed = Verb 1.to put (thought) into words; utter or state 2.to show, manifest, or reveal

Concurrent Powers Powers shared by the national and state governments Examples: – Protects civil rights and liberties – Taxes – Provide for public safety and health – Establish courts – Punish lawbreakers – Borrow money – Construct and maintain roads

How can we remember concurrent powers? Concur = Verb: to cooperate; work together; combine; be associated Or… to coincide; occur at the same time

Reserved Powers Powers belonging to state governments Comes from 10 th Amendment – “powers not specifically delegated to the national government are reserved for the states” Examples: – Establish local governments – Establish schools – Regulate marriage, divorce, and adoptions – Regulate intrastate commerce – Provide fire and police protection – Conduct elections – Enact license requirements

How can we remember reserved powers? Reserve = Verb 1.to keep back or save for future use, disposal, treatment, etc. 2.to retain or secure by express stipulation. 3.to set apart for a particular use, purpose, service, etc.

Why is federalism a good thing? Encourages political participation Promotes democracy States are unified and unique **** YOU NEED TO KNOW THESE THREE REASONS***

What are the drawbacks? Inconsistency between states Tension between national and state governments

Types of Federalism Federalism has changed over the course of American history … Dual Federalism (1790s – 1930s) Cooperative Federalism (1930s – 1950s) Regulated Federalism (1960s) New Federalism (1970s -1980s)

Dual Federalism Two levels of government have clearly defined and separate responsibilities National Government State Government

Cooperative Federalism Era of shared power between federal, state and local governments Like marble cake, the levels of government are intertwined and less clearly defined

Regulated Federalism Huge increase in federal involvement in state and local governments N A T I O N A L State Local

New Federalism Power is shifted back to the states during Nixon and Reagan presidencies Back to the states Power

State Governments U.S. Constitution has one requirement for states … state constitutions must support a

State legislatures Responsibilities: make laws, levy taxes, and create budgets

Apportionment The distribution of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures

Gerrymandering When lawmakers draw district boundaries in a manner that benefits them or their party

Redistricting Redrawing of voting districts to reflect population changes

State Governors Manage the executive branch for the state Georgia’s Governor: Nathan Deal

State Court System Trial Courts: cases that effect daily lives of citizens High level trial courts: major criminal cases and law suits Lower Level trial courts: – Municipal Courts – minor violations, divorce, adoptions – Small Claims Courts – disputes involving small amounts of $ Appeals Courts: cases that are appealed to reverse the decision of trial courts

Local Governments

County Government Judges Tax commissioner Sheriff’s Office Health services

Mayor-Council System Divides power between an elected mayor and city council

Commission System Qualified professionals head city commissions – Skilled professionals make decisions

Council-Manager System Combines democratically elected council with professional city management

Special-Purpose Districts Provides a specific function For example: School boards