Questions and Answers
What are enumerated powers?
What are concurrent powers?
What are reserved powers?
Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people.
What does the Ninth Amendment state?
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What does the Tenth Amendment state?
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What are states' rights?
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How does the government protect individual rights?
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What are the potentials for conflict among the levels of government?
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How has federalism been applied in the United States government?
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What are state constitutions?
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What are the limitations on state governments?
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What is the relationship between state and local government?
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What are the major responsibilities in state governments?
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How has the organization and responsibilities of local and state governments impacted the United States federal system?
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Study Notes
Powers of Government
- Enumerated Powers: Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including taxation, coining money, regulating commerce, and declaring war.
- Concurrent Powers: Powers shared between state and federal governments, allowing for joint authority.
- Reserved Powers: Powers not allocated to the federal government or prohibited to the states, reserved for the states and the people.
Amendments Related to Powers
- Ninth Amendment: Asserts that the rights enumerated in the Constitution do not deny additional rights retained by the people.
- Tenth Amendment: States that powers not delegated to the U.S. or prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people.
States' Rights and Federalism
- States' Rights: Theory that states retain all powers not specifically given to the federal government, emphasizing state sovereignty.
- Federalism in the U.S.: Power is divided between national and state governments, with certain powers designated for each.
Government and Individual Rights
- Government protects individual rights through constitutional guarantees, such as freedom of religion and speech.
Conflicts Among Levels of Government
- Potential conflicts may arise from biases among government officials with previous employment or connections affecting objectivity.
- Limited regulations exist to mitigate conflicts of interest for federal service entrants.
State Constitutions
- State constitutions replaced colonial charters post-independence and typically established a bicameral legislature and an elected governor.
- Voting often required property ownership or tax payment; individual liberties were recognized, though church and state separation was often absent.
Limitations on State Governments
- States are prohibited from forming foreign alliances, declaring war, coining money, or imposing import/export duties to maintain federal authority.
Relationship Between State and Local Governments
- State governments fund statewide services (e.g., universities, highways), while local governments address community-specific needs (e.g., police, libraries).
Responsibilities of State Governments
- Key responsibilities include property ownership management, education, welfare program implementation, local government establishment, public safety, and justice system maintenance.
Impact of Organization on Federal System
- The division of powers not granted to the federal government underscores states’ authority and shapes the functions of local governments, mirroring the federal structure with distinct branches of government.
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Test your knowledge of the powers within the US government with these flashcards. Learn about enumerated, concurrent, and reserved powers defined in the Constitution. Perfect for students studying government or civics.
