The powers of national and state governments

 The U.S. Constitution establishes a government based on "federalism”  Federalism: the sharing of power between the national, and state (and local) governments  Federalism is the opposite of "centralized" governments

 Each of the 50 states has its own constitution  All provisions of state constitutions must comply with the U.S. Constitution  Example: a state constitution cannot deny accused criminals the right to a trial by jury, as assured by the U.S. Constitution's 6th Amendment.

 The U.S. Constitution grants both the national and state governments two types of powers: 1. Exclusive 2. Shared

 Exclusive Powers of the National Government 1. Print money (bills and coins) 2. Declare war 3. Establish an army and navy 4. Enter into treaties with foreign governments 5. Regulate commerce between states and international trade 6. Establish post offices and issue postage 7. Make laws necessary to enforce the Constitution

Exclusive Powers of State Governments 1. Establish local governments 2. Issue licenses (driver, hunting, marriage, etc.) 3. Regulate intrastate (within the state) commerce 4. Conduct elections 5. Ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution 6. Provide for public health and safety 7. Exercise powers neither delegated to the national government or prohibited from the states by the U.S. 8. Constitution (For example, setting legal drinking and smoking ages.)

Powers Shared by National and State Government (“Concurrent” Powers) 1. Setting up courts 2. Creating and collecting taxes 3. Building highways 4. Borrowing money 5. Making and enforcing laws 6. Chartering banks and corporations 7. Spending money for the betterment of the general welfare 8. Taking (condemning) private property with just compensation