The Federal System What it is, How it works. Texas and Federalism The Federal System What it is, How it works.

definition Federalism a political system in which several states or regions defer some powers, (e.g. in foreign affairs), to a central government while retaining a limited measure of self-government

What it means Texas is part of a Federal system That means Texas is part of the USA It is no longer a separate entity

State equality Texas is legally equal to the other 50 states It can create state laws that affect everyone within the state only

What the states can do Create laws regarding marriage and property Create School districts and curriculum Set minimum ages for: Drivers licenses Getting married

What the states cannot do Coin or create their own money Create state laws that violate constitutionally protected civil rights Create international Trade/commerce agreements Declare war – (only U.S. Congress can do that)

However, the USA has final legal authority over all of the states. Legal authority is established by the U.S. Constitution and Federal Laws This includes supervisory control over state/local law enforcement.

National Guard States have a national guard It is illegal for the president to “call out the guard” It may only be called out by the state governor This protects citizens from standing federal armies being used as harassment

National Guard However- The guard may be federalized - and temporarily absorbed into the U. S. Army during wartime (such as the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq). A state governor may refuse…. But that is frowned upon during wartime.