Section 1: Federalism: Divided Powers

 Federalism – a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis between a central government and several regional governments usually called states or provinces.  Federalism produces a duel system of government.  Division of Powers – certain powers are assigned to the national government and certain powers are reserved for the states.

 Delegated Powers – the government has only those powers granted to it in the Constitution.  3 types: Expressed, Implied, & Inherent.  Expressed: Powers specifically delegated to the national government. Also called the “enumerated powers”.  Implied: Powers that aren’t expressly stated but are reasonably suggested. (the necessary & proper clause (a.k.a. the elastic clause) – convenient & useful)  Inherent: Powers that belong to the national government because it’s the national government of a sovereign state.

 Reserved: Powers that are not given to the national government but, at the same time, are not denied to the states.  Exclusive: Powers that can only be exercised by the national government and cannot be exercised by the states under any circumstances.  Concurrent: Powers that both the state and national governments possess and exercise.

 Means that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that it ranks above all other forms of law in the United States  Called the linchpin of the Constitution because it joins the national government and the states into a single governmental unit, a federal government.