1. Constitutional Powers

2. Two key principles of the Constitution
Federalism: division of political authority between states and a national government.
Separation of powers: division of power among several branches of government.

3. Federalism
Def: A system of government in which a written constitution divides powers of government on a territorial basis between a central, or national, government and several regional governments.

4. Why are some activities of government better left to the states?
Federalism
Why are some activities of government better left to the states?
Local needs, traditions and desires vary from state to state. State governments can respond to these local needs.
So, the Constitution gives specific powers to both levels of government.

5. “Powerful” vocabulary
Enumerated
Expressed
Concurrent
Reserved
Implied
Inherent

6. Powers of the National Government
EXPRESSED POWERS
(ENUMERATED)
Powers given to the national government by the Constitution. They are spelled out, “expressly,” in the words of the Constitution.
Example:
“To establish Post Offices and Post Roads.”
IMPLIED POWERS
Powers which are not spelled out, but are implied by the words of the Constitution.

7. ENUMERATEDPOWERS OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
POWERS RESERVED TO THE STATES
CONCURRENT POWERS
Concurrent powers: Powers that both the states and the national government possess.
Coin money
Regulate interstate and foreign trade
Raise and maintain armed forces
Declare war
Govern U.S. territories and admit new states
Conduct foreign relations
Make and enforce laws.
Define crimes and punishments
Levy and collect taxes
Borrow money
Establish courts
Claim private property for public use
Regulate trade and business within the state
Establish public schools
Pass license requirements for professionals
Regulate alcoholic beverages
Conduct elections
Establish local governments
Enumerated powers: Powers that the Constitution specifically gives to the national government.
aka expressed powers because they are clearly expressed in the words of the Constitution.
Reserved powers: Powers that the Constitution does not grant to the national government but does not deny to the states.

8. Powers of the National Government
The “necessary and proper” clause
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18
Congress shall have the power to “make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.”
It doesn’t SAY Congress can pass a law setting a minimum wage, but it is IMPLIED.

9. Powers of the National Government
INHERENT POWERS
Powers that belong to the national government because it is the government of a sovereign state in the world community.
President Trump meets with Chinese President Xi.
Diplomatic relations with other countries
National defense
Controlling immigration

10. (Enumerated, reserved, concurrent)
Who has the power?
National, state or both?
(Enumerated, reserved, concurrent)
1. Conduct searches of all cargo ships entering U.S. harbors.
2. Create a trade agreement regulating the sale of Canadian livestock in the U.S.
3. Enforce laws in the “War on Drugs.”
4. Pass laws making it harder for aliens to obtain false documents.
5. Determine what type of voting machines will be used in elections.
6. Prohibit the sale and possession of cigars imported from Cuba.
7. Raise or lower the drinking age.
8. Lower income taxes.
9. Decide what subjects will be taught in schools.
10. Build roads to provide for safe and easy travel.
11. Decide what color the new $7.00 bill will be.
12. Ensure that citizens receive fair trials when accused of a crime.
13. Provide a navy to protect the nation.
14. Set requirements for certification for nurses.

11. 2018 Theme: “Why My Vote Matters.”
Written essay and voice recording.
Entries due by Friday, October 26.