CHAPTER 4 FEDERALSIM Section 1 Federalism Divided Powers

CHAPTER 4: FEDERALSIM Section 1: Federalism: Divided Powers

The Framers Choose Federalsim � � � Federalism – a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis between a central government and several regional governments usually called states or provinces. Federalism produces a duel system of government. Division of Powers – certain powers are assigned to the national government and certain powers are reserved for the states.

Powers of the Federal Government � � � Delegated Powers – the government has only those powers granted to it in the Constitution. 3 types: Expressed, Implied, & Inherent. Expressed: Powers specifically delegated to the national government. Also called the “enumerated powers”. Implied: Powers that aren’t expressly stated but are reasonably suggested. (the necessary & proper clause (a. k. a. the elastic clause) – convenient & useful) Inherent: Powers that belong to the national government because it’s the national government of a sovereign state.

Reserved, Exclusive, & Concurrent Powers � � � Reserved: Powers that are not given to the national government but, at the same time, are not denied to the states. Exclusive: Powers that can only be exercised by the national government and cannot be exercised by the states under any circumstances. Concurrent: Powers that both the state and national governments possess and exercise.

The Supremacy Clause � � Means that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land that it ranks above all other forms of law in the United States Called the linchpin of the Constitution because it joins the national government and the states into a single governmental unit, a federal government.