Federalism
US History & Government
The US has a federal form of government. What
does this term mean?
Power is divided between the national, state
and local government
Types of Powers
• Delegated
– Powers held by the federal government
– Outline in Article I of the Constitution
• Reserved
– Powers held by state governments
– Comes from Amendment 10
• Concurrent
– Powers held by both the federal and state government
Delegated, Reserved or Concurrent Powers?
1. Establishing courts Concurrent
2. Raising an army and navy Delegated
3. Conducting elections Reserved
4. Collecting taxes Concurrent
5. Coining money Delegated
6. Regulating interstate trade Delegated
7. Regulating marriage Reserved
8. Borrowing money Concurrent
9. Declaring war Delegated
10. Establishing schools Reserved
Which of the following believes in reserved
powers, delegated powers, concurrent powers?
• Joshua A. Pickering
– Delegated Powers
• Patrick Sean Hurley
– Reserved Powers
• Edward David Thatcher
– Concurrent Power
Identify which level of government in the United States
is appropriate for each situation (Federal, State, Local)
1. You want to register for the draft. F
2. You want to fight a speeding ticket you got on the LIE. S
3. You want to get a license to cut hair. S
4. You want to get a divorce. S
5. You want to get a permit to have a block party. L
6. You want to get a passport so you can travel to Europe. F
7. You want to mail a letter to a friend in California. F
8. You want to put an addition onto your house. L
9. You want to register your car. S
10.You want to become a naturalized US citizen. F
• Many large nations have adopted a federal
system. What are the benefits of federalism
for a large country?
It gives government the flexibility to adapt to
local situations
• What types of problems can occur in a federal
system?
There can be duplication of government
New York
Smithtown
Suffolk County
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Executive
Enforces Law
Legislative
Writes Law
Judicial
Interprets Law
National Level
President
US Senate
US House of Reps.
Federal
Courts
State Level
Governor
NY State Senate
NY State Assembly
State
Courts
County Exec. or
Local Level Supervisor or
Mayor
Suffolk County
Legislature
Local
Courts