the federal system unit 2. what is it? system of government created by the u.s. constitution that...
TRANSCRIPT
What is it?
System of government created by the U.S. Constitution that divides governmental power between national and state governments.
The Constitutional Division of Powers
The Constitution divides powers into 3 categories: ExpressedConcurrentReserved
Expressed Powers
Powers specifically granted to the national government
Examples: Coin money Postal System Maintain military Declare War Regulate interstate and international commerce Immigration Negotiate treaties
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by the national and state governments
Examples: Protects civil rights and liberties Taxes Provide for public safety and health Establish courts Punish lawbreakers Borrow money Construct and maintain roads
Reserved Powers
Powers belonging to state governments Comes from 10th Amendment – “powers not
specifically delegated to the national government are reserved for the states”
Examples: Establish local governments Establish schools Regulate marriage, divorce, and adoptions Regulate intrastate commerce Provide fire and police protection Conduct elections Enact license requirements
Why is federalism a good thing?
Encourages political participation Promotes democracy States are unified and unique
Types of Federalism
Federalism has changed over the course of American history …
Dual Federalism (1790s – 1930s) Cooperative Federalism (1930s – 1950s) Regulated Federalism (1960s) New Federalism (1970s -1980s)
Dual Federalism
Two levels of government have clearly defined and separate responsibilities
National Government
State Government
Cooperative Federalism
Era of shared power between federal, state and local governments
Like marble cake, the levels of government are intertwined and less clearly defined
Regulated Federalism
Huge increase in federal involvement in state and local governments
N A T I O N A L
State
Local
New Federalism
Power is shifted back to the states during Nixon and Reagan presidencies
Back to the states
Power
State Governments
U.S. Constitution has one requirement for states …
state constitutions must support a
Gerrymandering
When lawmakers draw district boundaries in a manner that benefits them or their party
State Court System
Trial Courts: cases that effect daily lives of citizens
High level trial courts: major criminal cases and law suits
Lower Level trial courts: Municipal Courts – minor violations, divorce,
adoptions Small Claims Courts – disputes involving small
amounts of $ Appeals Courts: cases that are appealed to
reverse the decision of trial courts
Commission System
Qualified professionals head city commissions Skilled professionals make decisions