1. The Constitution

2. European Influences The English Magna Carta placed limits on the power of the monarch The English Bill of Rights inspired many to ask for one to be included in the Constitution

3. John Locke The English philospher wrote that government is an agreement, or contract between the people and the ruler

4. Montesquieu The French writer Montesquieu wrote that the powers of government should be separated and balanced against each other This separation would prevent any one person or group from gaining too much power

5. Federalism Federalism is the sharing of power between the federal government and the state government This is one of the key features of the United States government

6. Federal Powers Under the Constitution, the federal government gained wide- ranging powers to: Tax Regulate trade Control the currency Raise an army Declare war Pass laws that were “necessary and proper” for carrying out its duty

7. States’ Powers Under the Constitution, the states are given the power to: Control trade within their borders Protect public welfare and safety Conduct elections Set up local governments and schools Establish marriage and divorce laws

8. Shared Powers Both governments have the power to: Establish courts Enforce laws Collect Taxes Borrow Money Provide for the general welfare

9. Federal and State Powers National GovernmentState GovernmentBoth Coin moneyRegulate trade within a state Establish courts Maintain army and navy Protect public welfare and safety Enforce Laws Declare warConduct electionsCollect taxes Regulate trade between states and with foreign nations Set up local governments and schools Borrow money Carry out all expressed powers Establish marriage and divorce laws Provide for the general welfare

10. Note While the two governments share powers, the Constitution and the laws of Congress were to be “the supreme law of the land” No state could make laws or take actions that went against the Constitution Federal courts would settle disputes between the federal government and the states

11. Wrap Up What European influences helped form the Constitution? What is federalism? What are the powers of the federal government? The state government? What are the powers of both? Which government is the “supreme law of the land?”