Federal Government:

Can declare war.
Issues patents and copyrights.
Regulates interstate and international trade.
State Government:

Regulates commerce within state borders.
Conducts elections and issues licenses.
Establishes local governments.
Similarities:

Make and enforce laws.
Can impose taxes and borrow money.

Step 2 Question 2: Respond to the following question with a 3-4 sentence response in your own words. (Include a topic sentence, & at least 2-3 supporting sentences...)

Here some extra evidence

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.

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1 answer

The system of federalism in the United States divides power between the federal and state governments, allowing both to operate independently in their own areas. The federal government has special powers, like declaring war, making treaties, and regulating international trade, while state governments focus on local matters such as conducting elections and managing commerce within their borders. Both levels of government can make and enforce laws, collect taxes, and borrow money, showing that while they have separate responsibilities, they also work together in some areas. Over time, the federal government has taken on more responsibilities to address issues that affect the entire country, showing how both levels of government adapt to the needs of the nation.