1. Federalism and the Balance of Powers
Our Government Now
Federalism and the Balance of Powers

2. The Constitution 3 Parts 2 Things Preamble: We the people...
Articles: There are 7
Amendments: Bill of Rights + 17 others = 27
2 Things
Federal Gov.
Balanced Central Gov.

4. Federal-State Relations
Articles I-III (1-3): Central Gov.
Express and Implied Powers
Article IV (4): Military Protection
Article VI (6): Supremacy Clause
Const., federal laws & treaties "supreme law of the land"
10th Amendment: Gives States Reserved Powers

6. Grants and Mandates: Control outside the Constitution
Federal Grants
Money for States to perform duties
Way to control States
Block Grants
Based on population; less “ties”

7. Mandates
Often tied to Federal Funding
Creates minimum standards for State duties
Some argue this goes against State rights

8. State-State Relations
Article I (1): Interstate Commerce
Article IV (4)
All Citizens have equal protection in all States
Interstate relations

9. Articles I (1), II (2) & III (3): The Central Government
I: Legislative Branch
House of Rep. & Senate
II: Executive Branch
President, V.P. & Cabinet
III: Judicial Branch
Supreme Court & Inferior Courts

10. Powers of Congress Create Laws Enumerated Powers Elastic Clause:
Finances outside of States
National Defense & Declare War
Other: Est. Courts, Post Offices; Citizenship
Elastic Clause:
"Necessary & Proper": Source of Implied Powers

11. Other Powers Confirm/Deny Appointments Impeach Control Funding
Begin process of firing President or Judges
Control Funding
Ratify Treaties
Override Veto

12. Executive and the President
Departments
Carry out laws passed by Congress
Currently 15
Justice, Education, Treasury, etc...
Other Bodies
NASA, EPA, USPS, AMTRAK, FDA, etc...

13. President Powers: Veto Executive Orders
Draft Treaties, appoint officials, grant pardons, "emergency action"
Veto
Laws require approval to ratify
Executive Orders
Limited power to make and influence laws

14. Judicial Branch Jurisdiction Judicial Review
Constitution, Federal Law, Treaties, International Law, Bankruptcies
Judicial Review
Federalist No. 78: "… belongs to them to ascertain its meaning..."
Makes Constitution a Living Document

15. Checks & Balances
Power Balance Graphic