Chapter 8: State Government 1

Section 8.1: The Federal System 2

The Constitution and Federalism A federal system is where the central government and the states share power. In a federal system state and federal power is limited. 3

The Constitution and Federalism The supremacy clause of the US Constitution says that the federal law outweighs all state laws. Which article discusses supremacy? Article ____ State law must give way to federal law; in other words if a state law contradicts a federal law – the federal law wins. 4

States’ Protection by Constitution States are protected by the Constitution in several ways. 5

States’ Protection by Constitution No state can be divided or merged with another one without its permission. 6

States’ Protection by Constitution States have the right to maintain a militia- a military force called the National Guard. The governor of a state can call on the National Guard in local emergencies. 7

States’ Limitations by Constitution The US Constitution also identifies what state governments are not allowed to do. 8

States’ Limitations by Constitution States are forbidden to: 1. Make treaties with foreign nations 2. Declare war 3. Keep an army or navy in peacetime 4. Issue, or coin, their own money 5. Impose taxes on imports Which level of government does have the power to do these things? 9

Reserved Powers The Tenth Amendment says that powers not listed in the US Constitution are reserved for the states. These powers are called reserved powers. 10

Reserved Powers Each state is responsible for the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. States organize local governments for counties, cities, and towns. 11

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Federal Supremacy Concurrent powers are shared by state and federal governments. For example, both may impose taxes and borrow money. 13

Governmental Cooperation Both state and federal governments fund a variety of programs. Usually the federal government provides grants-in-aid (awards for money) to the states to help them pay for some of their programs. 14

Governmental Cooperation States must follow Congress’ rules in order to receive these grants. For example, the federal government contributes 90 percent of the money to build interstate highways, but states must comply with federal regulations, such as width of driving lanes. 15

State Constitutions States have different constitutions because of their different beliefs about government. State constitutions are similar because they all have separation of powers between executive, legislative, and judicial. 16

State Constitutions States constitutions also have their own Bill of Rights . They included most of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution and others such as workers’ right to join unions. 17

Florida Constitution Florida’s Bill of Rights are found in Article 1 and are referred to as Declaration of Rights. Some rights include religious freedom, freedom of speech and press, the right to bear arms, right to work, protection from imprisonment for debt, and the rights of the accused and of victims. 18

Laws that Promote the Common Good "Laws that promote the common good"- laws are created to protect citizens and their communities.  19

State Constitutions State constitutions also establish different types of local governments, including counties, townships, and municipalities. States also can establish independent state agencies, boards, and commissions such as boards of education. 20

Both State Federal The power to establish courts Venn Diagram Activity: Organize the Following into State Government, Federal Government, or Both The power to establish courts The power to protect the public’s health, welfare, and morals The power to provide an army and a navy The power to administer elections The power to levy taxes The power to establish local government systems The power to enact and enforce laws The power to declare war The lengthier Constitution of the two and has a greater impact on the lives of citizens daily Contains the supremacy clause Addresses public education, motor vehicles and elections Has only twenty-seven amendments. Both State Federal 21