The United States has a form of government called federalism. In this system the national (federal) and state governments share power. The two levels of government exist side by side. Each has assigned powers and functions. Each is limited to its own sphere. Neither may take on powers assigned to the other. Neither depends on the other for funding or in other ways. Federalism is different from a unitary system. In a unitary system, regional governments depend on the national government. Federalism also differs from confederacy. In a confederacy, the national government depends on the regional governments.

Federal and State Powers

The Constitution grants the federal and state governments certain exclusive powers. Only the federal government can declare war. It alone can establish an army and a navy. It alone can make treaties with other countries. Only the federal government can print and coin money and create post offices. Issuing patents and issuing copyrights are exclusive federal powers. Regulating international trade and interstate commerce is another federal power.
The states have the exclusive power to regulate commerce within their borders. They can establish local governments. They also conduct elections and issue licenses. And, under the 10th Amendment, they retain other powers.

The states and the federal government share many powers. These shared powers are called concurrent powers. For example, both levels of government make and enforce laws. But state laws must not violate the U.S. Constitution. Both can set up courts. Both can impose taxes and borrow money. Both can charter banks and corporations.

The powers and responsibilities of the federal government have gradually expanded. This has come about through court rulings, or judicial review, and through legislation. The basic reason has been the rise of problems best solved at the national level. Modern health, welfare, transportation, and other needs have required national action. Wars and threats of wars have required increases in national defense.

Using the evidence above give me 3 differences for both the state government and federal

1 answer

Certainly! Here are three differences for both the state government and the federal government based on the provided information:

Federal Government Differences:

  1. Exclusive Powers: The federal government has exclusive powers that include declaring war, establishing an army and a navy, making treaties with other countries, and printing and coining money.

  2. Regulation of Interstate and International Commerce: The federal government is responsible for regulating interstate commerce and international trade, which is a power that states do not possess.

  3. Intellectual Property: The federal government alone can issue patents and copyrights, which are exclusive powers that state governments do not have.

State Government Differences:

  1. Regulating Intrastate Commerce: State governments have the exclusive power to regulate commerce within their own borders, something that the federal government cannot do.

  2. Local Governments and Elections: Only state governments have the authority to establish local governments, conduct elections, and issue licenses, functions that are not under the federal government's purview.

  3. 10th Amendment Powers: Under the 10th Amendment, states retain other powers that are not specifically assigned to the federal government, which emphasizes the autonomy of state governments in certain areas.