US governement Federalism and separation of powers

The Declaration of Independence (1776) : 13 independent states = independent from GB But also from one another (each drafted its own constitution) The Articles of Confederation (1777, adopted 1781) : no transfer of sovereignty Simple treaty on common defense, and international representation. Yet a major achievement : management of western lands (North West Ordinance 1787) The Constitution (1787-1789) : creation of federal state : transfer of sovereignty to the national gvt. Common currency, right to levy taxes, judicial branch. Strong debates about its adoption as issue of respective rights of States (not delegated to the national gvt) and of the Federal state (powers delegated)

Amendment X 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. (Amendment IX) The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Federalism: see http://www. sparknotes