Federalism 2 Federalism in detail U.S. Government,.5 a-d

What did we learn last class?  If you were to see the word Federalism on an exam, tell me what it means in 1 paragraphs.

Essential Understandings  The Constitution of the United States provides for a federal system of government in which power is shared between the states and the national government.

Federalism Quote Activity

Power is shared between State and National Government

Essential Questions: 1  What is the relationship of the state governments to the national government?

Powers of the National Government  Expressed powers are those directly stated in the Constitution of the United States, such as the power to levy and collect taxes, make war, and regulate trade among the states.  Implied powers are those reserved by the national government but not specifically listed; the source for implied powers is the elastic clause or “necessary and proper” clause (Article I, Sec. 8).  Inherent powers are those that the national government may exercise simply because it is the national government, such as establishment of diplomatic relations and regulation of immigration.

Essential Questions: 2  How is power divided and shared between the national and state levels of government?

Areas where powers are shared  Taxation  Education policy  Criminal justice laws Conflicts between the state and national authority in a federal system are found in concurrently held powers.

Essential Questions: 3  Powers denied to both the national and state governments  Ex post facto laws- change the rules of evidence in a criminal case, retroactively alter the definition of a crime, retroactively increase the punishment for a criminal act, or punish conduct that was legal when committed. They are prohibited by Article I, Section 10, Clause 1, of the U.S. Constitution.  Tax on exports- Clause 5. No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

A few examples of Federalism in Action  Detroit Bankruptcy- troit-bankruptcy-case-puts-federalism-on- center-stage/

Example of Federalism in action  State’s rights, red and blue  y-commentary/ states-rights-red- and-blue.ece y-commentary/ states-rights-red- and-blue.ece

A continuing Debate  Federalism is not a static relationship between levels of government. The distribution of power between the states and the national government is the source of considerable political debate.

Get in small groups (in 1.5 pages, answer the following questions in paragraph form)  1) What is the importance of federalism?  2) Why is it important that power exists at both the federal and state level?  3) Could you find it problematic if all power was at the state level and why (provide a past example)?  4)Could you find it problematic if all power was at the federal level and why (provide an example)?  5) What are some reasons why federalism might have an ever-changing form within U.S. Government, discuss this relationship?  6)Do you see federalism as the best governing arrangement for the United States and why?