1. Texas and the Federal System, I
GOVT 2306, Module 2

2. Federalism
A federal system or federation is a political system that divides power between a central government, with authority over the whole nation, and a series of state governments. In a federal system, both the national government and the states enjoy sovereignty, which is the authority of a state to exercise legitimate powers within its boundaries, free from external interference.

3. What State Sovereignty Means
State sovereignty means that the federal government does not have absolute authority over the states.

4. National Supremacy Clause
The national government is constitutionally the dominant partner in the federal system. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution includes a provision known as the National Supremacy Clause, which declares that the U.S. Constitution, the laws made under it, and the treaties of the United States are the supreme law of the land.

5. Federal Power and the States
The federal government is supreme in areas where it has authority to act. Otherwise, according to the Tenth Amendment, the Constitution reserves power to the states.

6. Quiz Federalism does which of the following? The answer is C.
Divides power among the branches of government
Divides power between Democrats and Republicans
Divides power between the national government and the states
Divides power between the two houses of the legislative branch
The answer is C.

7. The relationship between the federal government and the states is complicated.
State powers

8. Powers Prohibited to States
The Constitution prohibits states from taking certain actions. States may not negotiate international treaties, form alliances with foreign countries, or engage in war unless they are invaded. States may not create their own currency or levy taxes on commerce with other states or foreign nations.

9. Constitutional Guarantees to States
States may not be divided or consolidated without their permission. The Constitution also promises states defense against invasion, protection from domestic violence when requested, equal representa- tion in the U.S. Senate, and a republican form of govern- ment. A republic is a repre- sentative democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf.

10. Tenth Amendment
The national government may exercise only those powers granted to it by the Constitution, whereas state governments possess all the powers not given to the national government, except those that are prohibited to the states by the Constitution.

11. Division of Powers in Federal System

12. Federalism Conflicts
American history is filled with conflict between the federal government and the states over issues such as slavery, Jim Crow laws, and racial integration. Many contemporary political issues are framed as states’ rights issues.

13. Texas v. the Federal Government
Texas and the federal government are in dispute over a whole range of issues, including the following:
Border security
Immigration reform
Voting rights
Affordable Care Act

14. Texas Federalism Issues
Abortion rights
Same-sex marriage
Clean air enforcement
Greenhouse gas regulation
School lunch menus
Cross-state air pollution rules
Redistricting

15. Gregg Abbott’s Work Day
Texas Attorney General (now governor) Gregg Abbott described his work day as follows: "I go into the office, I sue the federal government, and I go home."

16. What You Have Learned What is a federal system?
What is the significance of the national supremacy clause?
What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment?
What is the relationship between the federal government and the states?
What are some contemporary states’ rights issues?