The New Government

control of foreign affairs national defense (army, navy) Division of Powers (federalism) – the Constitution divided power between the national government and state governments The powers given to the national government are known as the delegated powers control of foreign affairs national defense (army, navy) regulating interstate trade coining money

The powers kept by the states are called the reserved powers education intrastate trade marriage

right to establish courts Some powers are shared by state governments and the federal government. (concurrent powers) right to tax right to borrow money right to establish courts

Separation of Powers – The powers of the federal government separated into three branches with a system of Checks and Balances Legislative – makes laws Executive – enforces the law  Judicial – interprets the laws

Electoral College The Framers had two concerns with using a popular vote to choose a president. 1. They feared presidential elections would involve several regional candidates because there were no political parties and there were limited travel and communication technologies. 2. They feared the lower classes and wanted a “check” on their power

The Framers settled on using the Electoral College to elect the president. Each state would receive a number of electors equal to their number of representatives and senators they had in Congress. (New York has 29 electors) Individuals would vote for electors in each state who would then vote for the President.  Winner Take All – Whichever candidate wins a states popular vote takes all of that state’s electors. This makes it possible to win the popular vote and lose the election (Al Gore 2000)