 A government system in which power is divided between the national and state governments  Constitution calls for a division of powers assigning certain powers to the National Govt. and to the States

 Expressed Powers- powers clearly stated in the Constitution  Examples: ◦ Power to collect taxes ◦ Regulate foreign trade ◦ Raise and maintain an army ◦ Declare war ◦ Fix standards of weights & measures ◦ Grant patents and copyrights

 Implied Powers- Not stated in the Constitution, but are suggested

 Inherent powers- powers of the national government that are built in  Examples: ◦ Regulation of Immigration ◦ Deport undocumented aliens ◦ Acquire territory

 Federal government can not take any action that threatens the system  National government can not ◦ Levy duties on exports or ◦ Prohibit the freedom of religion, speech, press or assembly ◦ Create a public school system for nation ◦ Enact uniform marriage or divorce laws