1. State Governments

2. 10th Amendment
The Constitution lists powers of national government, NOT state governments
10th Amendment- Powers not given to national government or denied to states go to states and the people

3. Powers of States Set up local gov’t Conduct elections
Set up public schools
Oversee business
Protect health and safety of residents
Traffic laws

4. Powers Shared by State and National Government
Collect taxes
Borrow money
Set up courts
Enforce laws
Punish lawbreakers
Public assistance- gov’t programs to help those in need
Health care
Food
Housing

5. State Constitutions More detailed Preamble- states purpose
Bill of Rights
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches
Not as flexible as US Constitution due to details
Change with times
Amendments
Constitutional initiative- citizens propose Amendments with petitions
Rewrite Constitution

6. Benefits of State Governments
Tailor laws to the people who live there
Gov’t literally closer to the people
Focused responsibilities so federal gov’t can handle larger issues
Experiment with laws and programs

7. Benefits of National Government
Too much variety (needs, wants, issues, etc.) from state to state
Better Education in some states
National Government as the great equalizer
Bigger, widespread issues dealt with nationally
Airport security
Big cost projects
Hoover Dam
Mediate state relations
Recurring Issue: Balancing State and Federal Powers