Federalism and the Constitution Federalism Divides the power

Federalism and the Constitution

Federalism • Divides the power to govern between the national and state governments. • The Supremacy Clause: Laws passed by the Federal Government are the supreme law of the land. • Federal Law supersedes state law

Principles of the Constitution • Popular Sovereignty: the source of all power to govern originates with the people • Limited Government: The power of government is defined by the constitution • Separation of Power: Executive Legislative Judicial

Principles of the Constitution • Checks and Balances: Each branch of government can check, or control, actions of other branches • Flexibility: Elastic Clause

Principles of Federalism • Implied Powers: powers of the Federal gov’t that are not stated in the Constitution – Powers assumed by the elastic clause – NG can regulate interstate trade therefore passes laws regulating child labor • Denied Powers: Powers denied to the national government.

Principles of Federalism • Concurrent Powers: Powers belonging to both the State and Federal Government. • Reserved Powers: Powers held by the states • Delegated Powers: the powers given to the national government (declare war)

Federal Government Delegated State Government Concurrent Reserved Maintain Army Enforce Laws Conduct Elections Declare War Collect Taxes Establish Schools Coin Money Establish Courts Regulate Intrastate Trade Regulate Interstate Trade Sign Treaties Postal System Borrow Money

Checks and Balances

Override Veto Declare Executive acts unconstitutional Impeach Approve Treaties Interpret Treaties Approves Appointments Veto Appoints Judges Propose Laws Impeach judges Amend Constitution Declare laws unconstitutional Judicial Review