1. Chapter 4 Notes: Federalism

2. Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of the government on a territorial basis between a central, or national, government and several regional governments, often called states
Each of the levels of government has its own substantial set of powers
The constitution assigns certain powers to the national government and certain powers to the state governments
10th Amendment – ‘…the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”

3. Federalism
Federalism provides a dual system of government – it provides for 2 basic levels of government, each with its own area of authority
Each operates over the same people and the same territory at the same time
Federalism’s major strength is that it allows local action in matters of local concern, and national action in matters of wider concern
The national government is a government of delegated powers, meaning it only has those powers granted to it by the constitution
Expressed – spelled out in the constitution (also called enumerated powers)
Implied – not expressly stated in the constitution, but suggested – “necessary and proper” – Article I, Section 8, Clause 18
Inherent – powers that nationally governments have historically possessed

4. Expressed, implied, & inherent powers
Expressed Powers
Power to collect taxes
Coin money
Regulate foreign & interstate commerce
Declare war
Raise & maintain an armed forces
Grant patents and copyrights
Implied Powers – thousands of examples
Building of dams
Building the interstate highway system
Federal Crimes
Prohibited racial discrimination

5. Express, Implied & Inherent powers
Regulate immigration
Deport undocumented aliens
Acquire territory
Protect the nation from attempts to overthrow the government

6. Exclusive & Concurrent Powers
Concurrent powers – state and National government can exercise
Levy and collect taxes
Define crimes and set punishments
Condemn private property for public use
Most of the powers that the constitution delegates to national government are exclusive powers (can only be exercised by the national government and not by the states under any circumstances)
Coin money
Make treaties with foreign states
Lay taxes on imports
Regulate interstate commerce