Federalism Overview video

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Questions and Answers

Describe the difference between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

The Legislative branch makes laws, the Executive branch enforces the laws, and the Judicial branch interprets the laws.

Explain the main difference between marble cake federalism and layer cake federalism.

Marble cake federalism describes a system where national, state, and local governments work together on programs, while layer cake federalism emphasizes the independent operation of each level of government.

What are some examples of reserved powers held by state governments?

Reserved powers include regulating education, licensing professionals, and conducting elections.

How does the Supremacy Clause impact the relationship between federal and state laws?

The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal laws are superior to state laws when they conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two key historical events that significantly impacted the role of the federal government in US society.

The Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement both dramatically expanded the role of the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of reserved powers in the context of federalism. Provide an example of a power reserved for the states.

Reserved powers refer to powers that are not specifically given to the federal government in the Constitution and are therefore reserved for the states. The 10th Amendment outlines this principle. An example of a reserved power is the regulation of intrastate commerce, which is trade within a state's borders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Supremacy Clause in relation to the balance of power between the federal government and the states?

The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal laws and the US Constitution are supreme over state laws and state constitutions. This means that if a state law conflicts with a federal law, the federal law prevails. This ensures uniformity and consistency across the nation when it comes to matters of federal law. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three examples of concurrent powers shared by both the federal and state governments, and briefly explain why they are shared.

Three examples of concurrent powers are taxation, borrowing money, and providing for the general welfare. These powers are shared because they are essential for both the federal and state governments to function. Taxation allows both levels of government to raise revenue to fund their operations. Borrowing money allows them to finance projects and programs. Providing for the general welfare enables them to address the needs of their citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the different types of laws passed at the national, state, and local levels, giving specific examples of each.

At the national level, laws are called 'Acts' and are passed by Congress. Examples include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Affordable Care Act. At the state level, laws are called 'Statutes' and are passed by state legislatures. An example is a state law regulating driver's licenses. At the local level, laws are called 'Ordinances' and are passed by local councils. An example is a city ordinance regulating noise levels. Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a situation where a state law conflicts with a federal law on the same issue. Which law should prevail, and why?

In such a situation, the federal law should prevail under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. This clause makes federal law supreme over state law in cases of conflict. This principle ensures that federal law takes precedence and creates consistent policies across the nation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between the national (federal) government, state governments, and local governments.
Federalism distinctly divides and shares responsibilities among these three levels of government.
National Government Responsibilities:
- Military and fighting wars
- Treaties with other countries
- Interstate highway system maintenance
- Environmental protection
- Welfare programs like Social Security and Medicare
State Government Responsibilities:
- Environmental and welfare programs
- Marriage and driver's licenses
- Education
- State roads
- Public safety programs
- Creating local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages)
Local Government Responsibilities:
- Carrying out state programs like recycling, trash pickup, libraries, and parks
- Establishing school districts
- Implementing and enforcing local ordinances

How Powers are Shared

Reserved Powers: Powers not specifically given to the federal government in the Constitution are reserved for the states. This is outlined in the 10th Amendment.
Supremacy Clause (Article 6): Federal laws and the US Constitution are supreme over state laws and state constitutions.

Types of Powers

Expressed (Delegated) Powers: Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for the federal government.
- Examples: Regulating foreign and interstate commerce, coining money, providing an army and navy, declaring war, establishing federal courts, conducting foreign relations, establishing treaties
Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.
- Examples: Taxation, borrowing money, providing for the general welfare, establishing courts, passing and enforcing laws
Reserved Powers: Powers reserved for the states.
- Examples: Regulating intrastate commerce, establishing local governments, administering elections, protecting public health, education, marriage

Lawmaking Process

National Level:
- Laws are called "Acts."
- Passed by Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).
- Examples: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
State Level:
- Laws are called "Statutes."
- Passed by state legislatures.
- States also pass amendments and regulations.
Local Level:
- Laws are called "Ordinances."
- Passed by local councils (city councils, town councils).

Branches of Government

Legislative:
- National: US Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
- State: State Legislatures (usually Senate and House of Representatives)
- Local: City or Town Councils
Executive:
- National: President and Cabinet
- State: Governor and Cabinet
- Local: Mayor and Local Agencies
Judicial:
- National: US Supreme Court
- State: State Supreme Courts
- Local: County Courts

Federalism Debate

Marble Cake Federalism: The various levels of government mix and work together on programs.
Layer Cake Federalism: All three levels of government operate independently with little interaction.
Historically: The federal government's role has expanded over time, with significant growth during the Great Depression (New Deal Programs) and the Civil Rights Movement.
Contemporary Debate: Democrats generally favor a stronger national government with more programs. Republicans generally favor a smaller federal government, allowing states to have more control.

Key Terms

Federalism: Sharing of power between national, state, and local governments.
Reserved Powers: Powers given to the states.
Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by the national and state governments.
Supremacy Clause: Federal laws are supreme over state laws.
Statutes: Laws passed by state legislatures.
Ordinances: Laws passed by local governments.
Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause): Gives Congress implied powers to carry out its enumerated powers.
Commerce Clause: Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of federalism, detailing the distribution of powers among national, state, and local governments. It highlights the specific responsibilities each level of government holds, as well as the significance of reserved powers. Test your understanding of these essential government structures.