Federalism Assignment

1.  What does Federalism mean by definition and what does Federalism mean to you?
         Federalism is a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis between a central, or national, government and several regional governments, usually called states or provinces.
         Federalism to me is just the understanding of the government we are living under currently.

2.  List and describe the three powers of the National Government.
         Expressed powers-power to lay and collect taxes, to coin money, to regulate foreign trade and interstate commerce, to raise and maintain armed forces, to declare war, to fix standards of weights and measures, to grant patents and copyrights, and to do many other things.
         Implied powers-the regulation of labor-management relations, the building of hydro-electric power dams, and the building of the 42,000-mile interstate highway system. It has made federal crimes of such acts as moving stolen goods, gambling devices, and kidnapped persons across State lines. It has prohibited racial discrimination in granting access to such places as restaurants, theaters, hotels, and motels. These are only a few of the thousands of examples.
         Inherent powers-The power to regulate immigration, to deport undocumented aliens, to acquire territory, to grant diplomatic recognition to other states, and to protect the nation against rebellion or other attempts to overthrow the government.

3.  Explain the division of powers and why it is important?
         It is important because the national government and local governments are in control of the same group of people but the local governments can do what is in best interest of their designated area. the national government controls everything across the nation but doesn't get involved with the local government's operations for the most part.

4.  What is the Supremacy Clause and what is its function?
         The Supremacy Clause creates a hierarchy of laws. Local law (city and county charters and ordinances) must yield to State law. State law must yield to federal law. At the top of the hierarchy is the United States Constitution, which stands above all other forms of law in the United States.
         It joins the National Government and the States into a single governmental unit, a federal government.

5.  Find a site on the Internet that deals with Federalism.  Take 10 minutes and review that site.  Provide the link and provide some of the useful information that you found to help you better understand what Federalism is and how it works.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/federalism.htm

This site lists several powers that are exclusive to the national and state governments and ones that are available to both governments.