Federalism Constitution

Why do we have state governments? Federalism Why? Why do we have state governments?

Federalism Constitution

Federalism What is it? Federalism Federalism is a power sharing relationship between a large central government and several smaller local governments Here the US Federal Government and 50 state governments work together to rule the territory The federal government must coordinate policies between all 50 states and handle all foreign and economic policies

Federalism Why? Federalism Best suited to govern a very large territory A reaction to the Articles of Confederation and to Shay’s Rebellion Confederation as a form of government left the country vulnerable, powerless, and poor. The people still want to be close to their elected officials and be able to deal with “kitchen table issues”. This form of government is best suited to deal with both major and minor issues.

Federalist Papers Advantages Advantages of Federalism Local govt. is best suited to meet the needs of local citizens It gives people more chances to participate in government Allows the states to experiment with policy solutions - “Laboratories of Democracy” States can serve as a “check” on the actions of the national government

Federalist Papers Advantages Disadvantages of Federalism State and national governments can have conflicting policies States can be slow to implement what the national government wants.

Federalism in the Constitution

These policy areas are “reserved” to the states Federalism Amendment 10 Tenth Amendment The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Whatever isn’t specifically given to the national government is the domain of the states These policy areas are “reserved” to the states States can make individual policies for their own people in several different policy areas

Federalism Article VI Supremacy Clause The Constitution is the “supreme law of the land” US Constitution Affirmed by McCulluch V Maryland Treaties National law State Constitution State law Municipal laws

Federalism Article IV Article 4: State Relations Interstate Compacts US govt oversees agreements between states extradition Fugitives must be returned to the state where they committed the crime Full Faith & Credit Official documents of a state must be recognized by all states (licenses, marriages) Privileges & Immunities Can’t have special sets of laws for citizens of your states, but not for other American citizens

Federalism Article IV Article IV: USA Guarantees Article V Guarantees a republican form of government Guarantees to respect territories of states – won’t split any states up, won’t combine any – without consent Promises to defend the states form invasion – and bring help for domestic problems in states Article V Can’t make amendments that would deny states equal representation in the Senate

Division of Powers Federalism

Federalism Division of Powers National Government only shared State Governments only Exclusive powers Concurrent powers Reserved powers

National government does things that need to be the same in ALL states Federalism Division of Powers Exclusive Powers Coin Money Raise an army Declare War Foreign Trade Treaties Interstate trade National government does things that need to be the same in ALL states

Federalism Division of Powers Education Reserved Powers Health & Safety Speed limits Marriage laws Drivers’ licenses Professional licenses Alcohol laws State governments do things that are different from state to state Voter Requirements

Both handle the day to day business of the govt. Federalism Division of Powers Concurrent Powers Tax Borrow Money Run Court Systems Define Crimes Punish criminals Build Roads Both handle the day to day business of the govt.

Advantages & Disadvantages History Wrap Up Define federalism Advantages & Disadvantages Article IV Exclusive Powers Focus on these things: Reserved Powers