The School District of Palm Beach County
Social Studies
Grade 5
Optional
Standard 3: Structure and Functions of Government
SS.5.C.3.3
Give examples of powers granted to the federal government and those
reserved for the states.
What are some of the powers granted to the federal
government by the United States Constitution?
What are some of the powers reserved to the states
by the United States Constitution?
Teacher Note: These lessons should be taught in conjunction with American history benchmarks
to add historical perspective to these important civics understandings.
10th Amendment: The powers not delegated to the United States by the
Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States
respectively, or to the people.
Example of Powers
Federal or Delegated Powers:
To regulate interstate and foreign trade
To coin and print money
To conduct foreign relations
To establish post offices and roads
To raise and support armed forces
To declare war and make peace
To govern American territories and admit new states
To pass naturalization laws and regulate immigrations
To make all laws necessary and proper to carry out its powers
State or Reserved Powers:
To regulate trade within the state
To establish local governments
To conduct elections
To determine voter qualifications
To establish and support public schools
To incorporate businesses
To make marriage laws
To license professional workers
Shared or Concurrent Powers:
To collect taxes
To borrow money
To establish courts
To charter banks
To enforce laws and punish law breakers
To provide health and welfare to the people
Source- http://ericir.syr.edu/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/US_Government/GOV0201.pdf
SS.5.C.3.3
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Independent Practice Activity
Writing Prompt: The Constitution grants powers to the federal government and
reserves powers to the states. Choose one delegated and one reserved power from
the Example of Powers sheet. Using your chosen powers, argue why it is
important for the federal government and for Florida to have those powers.
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SS.5.C.3.3
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Compare and Contrast
 Authors use comparing and contrasting to give the
reader a better understanding of what is being read.
o Compare- tell how things are similar
o Contrast- tell how things are different
Directions: Use the words from the box to compare and contrast state
and federal powers.
collect taxes
establish courts
establish post offices
conduct elections
declare war
establish schools
enforce laws
coin and print money
punish law breakers
State
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Shared/Concurrent
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Federal
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SS.5.C.3.3
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Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read the following section about state governments. Then answer the questions in
complete sentences.
Each state has its own constitution based on its unique history, needs, philosophy,
and geography. A state's constitution is similar to that of the national Constitution;
however, the laws made in individual states cannot conflict with the national
Constitution or national laws. The national Constitution is "the supreme law of the
land."
Just like that of the national government, each state's constitution separates power
between three branches -- legislative, judicial, and executive. In addition, in most
states, the legislative branch contains two houses. (In Nebraska, the state
legislature only has one house). Instead of a president, each state elects a governor.
Let's pretend that you are given a school project to do with three other people. In
order to complete the project, you divide it up and give each person a section to do.
This is similar to how state government is divided. State government usually has
three different sections or branches, and each branch has its own job to do.
National government and state government are two types of government, but there
are also local governments. Most Americans live under the national government, a
state government, and several local governments. Local government is divided into
five categories
1. County
2. Town and Township
3. Municipality
4. Special District
5. School District
Source- http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/state/index.html
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1. What are the laws made in individual states not allowed to conflict with?
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2. How is power separated at the state level of government?
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3. What is the leader of the executive branch at the state level called?
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4. What governments do most Americans live under?
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