1. Federalism
Essential Question: How is power divided between the national government and the states under the Constitution?

2. Introduction to Federalism
Definition: a political system in which the national government shares power with state governments.
Constitution specifically states what the federal government can do, with all other powers going to the states and the people.
While states have many powers, in the end they must not conflict with the Constitution or Federal Law (supremacy clause).

3. POWERS OF THE NATIONAL GOV’T
Expressed- Powers the Constitution specifically grants to the national government
Implied- Powers suggested by the expressed powers. (Elastic Clause)
Inherent- Powers that naturally belong to any government of a sovereign nation.

4. Powers of state governments:
These are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution
10th Amendment
Reserved Powers – states have authority over matters not present in the Constitution
Public schools
Business within the state
Local elections

5. Obligations of Federal and State Gov’ts
Federal gov’ts responsibilities to the states:
Obligations of the States to National gov’t
Guarantee states have a republican form of gov’t (representatives)
Protect states from violent actions (including natural disasters)
Respect the states’ territories
Set rules for electing members of Congress and pay the costs of running elections
Play a key role in amending the Constitution, 3/4 of states must approve

6. HOW STATES ARE ADMITTED
Petition Congress
Secure approval of petition by Congress
Draft a state Constitution
Secure approval of state constitution by the people of the territory
Secure congressional approval of state Constitution
Congress passes an act of admission
Approval not guaranteed, but has been successful 37 times

7. Talk to your neighbor:
Describe the relationship between the state governments and the National government.
Possible answers:
States have all powers besides those granted to the federal government (Bill of Rights)
States select representatives to the Senate, H of R
Federal gov’t protects states
States ratify proposed amendments (3/4 needed)
Territories need approval to become a state

8. WAYS STATES WORK TOGETHER
“Full Faith and Credit”: states cooperate by recognizing one another’s official acts. States must:
recognize other states’ civil laws
honor convictions, settlements, and decisions of courts in other states
honor other states’ official records
Privileges and Immunities
Extradition
Interstate Compacts

9. TYPES OF FEDERAL AID
Federal Grant: money or other resources that the federal government provides to pay for state and local activities.
Used for specific projects and programs authorized by the federal government.
Two forms:
Categorical- payments by the federal government to carry out specific activities
Block- federal funds used by a state or locality in a broadly defined area (preferred by state and local governments)

10. Preemption Laws
Preemption: Congress assumes responsibility for a state gov’t function
Mandate: Requirements that the federal government imposes in state and local governments.
State must provide a service that meets minimum national standards set by Congress.
Example: Americans With Disability Act
States’ rights activists against use of preemption