1. The American System of Government

2. Focus Question: How do these items symbolize the U.S. government?

3. The U.S. Government System Built on a number of principles ▫Designed to protect natural rights But how to insure the government does not become too powerful?

4. Division of Powers Government Power is divided within the FEDERAL System ▫Power is divided between the states and national government  Enumerated Powers  Reserved Powers  Concurrent Powers Form a system to check each level of government

5. Enumerated Powers Powers directly given (delegated) to the National Government ▫Focus on issues facing the nation ▫Include the “Supremacy Clause” ▫Include various “Implied Powers”

6. Enumerated Powers include Coin Money Operate Post Offices Regulate Interstate Trade Conduct Foreign Relations Declare War and Make Peace Maintain the military Grant Patents Immigration Laws And More!

7. Reserved Powers Powers held only by the states Focus on local issues ▫Allow states to become “Laboratories of Democracy” ▫Reflect a fear of the central government

8. Reserved Powers Include!: Conduct Elections Family Law Education Provide for local government Regulate Commerce And more!!!

9. Concurrent Powers Powers shared by both ▫Powers needed to operate a government ▫Keep the system running

10. Concurrent Powers Include Operate Courts Levy Taxes Borrow Money Pay Bills Build Roads Provide for Public Safety And More!!

11. Divided Government By dividing governmental powers, a system of checks and balances protects our liberty ▫Prevents one level of the federal system from gaining too much power The ultimate check is the people (Popular Sovereignty)

12. Summary In a short, two to three sentence response, describe what you learned in class today.