The Federal System

The Constitution and Federalism When the original 13 colonies became states, they behaved like 13 individual nations This proved to be weak and ineffective and had to be changed They created the federal system The states and central government share power Reserved Power Concurrent Power

Reserved Powers Power given to the states It is established by the 10th Amendment Powers include: Marriage and divorce laws, to regulate education, and hold elections States are responsible for: Public health, safety, and welfare of citizens

Concurrent Powers Power is shared by the state and federal governments Both the state and federal governments have the power to: Taxes and Borrow Money If conflicts arise between states and federal government, the Supreme Court decides the case Article VI states that all laws that Congress makes shall be the “supreme law of the land” Supremacy Clause

Governmental Cooperation Since the 1930’s the state and federal governments have increasingly cooperated to fund and administer a wide variety of programs These include: highways, education, and welfare

Grants-In-Aid The federal government awards money, called grants-in-aid, to the states to help them pay for some of their programs The states must contribute some of their own money though, and they must obey rules set by Congress

Full Faith and Credit Article IV encourages interstate cooperation States must honor each others laws and court decisions Marriages, Driving Requirements, etc.

State Constitutions Each state differs because each state has their own ideas on what makes a good government This regulates how the state governments raises and spends their money