Federalism and the constitution US/AZ GOVERNMENT Federalism and the constitution

Why did the Founding Fathers want Federalism? The founding fathers feared a strong central government that would control the entire country. The federalist system was created to allow the states to maintain local control of the residents in them.

What is Federalism: Defined? A system of government in which a written constitution divides the power of Gov’t on a territorial basis. There is even division between central Gov’t and states

Government of the United States

Why chose Federalism? Protecting liberty Dispersing power Increasing participation Improving efficiency Ensuring policy responsiveness Encouraging policy innovation Managing conflict

What are the 3 types of delegated powers for the national gov’t? Expressed-power of the National Gov’t that are spelled out or expressed in the constitution. (Ex: power to lay and collect taxes, and coin money) Implied-powers that are not expressed in the constitution but are suggested (ex: the power Congress has to build dams and highways) Inherent- powers that the national Gov’t has traditionally had and passed down. (ex; matters of immigration)

WHAT ARE RESERVED POWERS? Powers that the constitution doesn’t grant the national (central) Gov’t, but doesn’t deny the states Examples: Provide for education Conduct elections Issue licenses Protect public safety and morals

WHAT ARE EXCLUSIVE POWERS? Powers that can be exercised by the National Gov’t alone. (Also known as Enumerated and Delegated powers). Examples: Make treaties Coin money Provide and maintain armed services Admit new states

WHAT ARE CURRENT POWERS? The power that the National Gov’t and the States can exercise. Examples: Borrow money. Make and enforce laws. Maintain courts. Protect health and welfare of the people.

Division of Federal & State Powers

WHAT IS THE SUPREMACY CLAUSE? States the Constitution of the United States is the supreme and highest laws of the land and there is nothing that comes before it. State constitutions fall under the US Constitution