Federalism:National, State, and Local Powers

The Establishment of a Federal System

• U.S. is the first nation founded with a federalist system of government.

• Was established that way because the framers knew the states would be reluctant to give up power to a national government.

• Power is divided among the national government and the state governments.

Division of Powers

• Divided into 3 powers:• Expressed Powers: powers specifically granted

to the national government (17 listed in the Constitution)

• Concurrent Powers: powers that are shared by the national and state governments (levy taxes).

• Reserved Powers: powers that are reserved by the state governments (like overseeing public schools).

Benefits of a Federal System

• Federalism protects against tyranny of the majority.• The minority can move to a state where their wants are

better respected.

• Federalism promotes unity without imposing uniformity.• All public schools are operated differently state-to-state, but

all states see public school as important.

• Federalism creates laboratories for public experiments.• Federalism encourages political participation.• Everyone can be involved in the government close to home.

Drawbacks of a Federal System

• Lack of consistency of laws and policies from state to state• Different credentials to get a drivers license

and different speed limits• Tension between state and federal officials (like

controlling wildlife)

State Governments

• Every state constitution has to support “a republican form of government.”• States can set up the government how ever they want.• Nebraska has a unicameral legislature.

• State constitutions change more frequently• Most states are on their second constitution• Most state constitutions have been amended more than

100 times.

State Legislatures

• Responsible for enacting laws, levying taxes, and creating budgets.

• Elected by popular vote• They are responsible for apportionment, or

distribution of the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and in state legislatures.• Has caused gerrymandering: drawing up boundaries of

a legislative district with the intent of giving one party or group a significant advantage.

State Governors

• Best known public officials in their state.• Elected by a popular vote• Manage the executive branch of their state• Powers usually include: establishing legislative

agendas, preparing the state budget, veto bills and budgets of the legislature, appointing state officials, granting pardons, command the state National Guard, issue executive orders (task forces)

• Serve as ambassadors for their state

State Court System

• Trial Court: handles most cases that affect the daily lives of citizens• Municipal courts deal with traffic tickets, adoption,

divorces, etc.• Small claims courts deal with settling disputes

involving money. • Superior court, county court, and district court deal

with major criminal cases and lawsuits

• Appeals Court: handles cases that are appealed or requested to be reviewed to reverse the decision made in trial court.

Local Governments

• States are divided up into Counties• Purpose is to provide government services to rural

residents• Law enforcement, courts, road construction and

maintenance, public assistance to the poor, recording legal documents, hospitals, libraries, parks, fire protection, and agricultural aid.

• Headed up by an elected board of commissioners• Usually elect a sheriff, county assessor, judges, fire

marshal, and county coroner.

Towns and Cities

• Mayor is chief executive of the city• City council is the lawmaking body• Usually have their own police, road repair, • Some cities elect a city manager