What are two powers that are reserved to the states?

What are two concurrent powers that the federal and state government share?

Describe the process for admitting a state in the United States.

List 2 ways states work together within the United States.

1 answer

Two Powers Reserved to the States

  1. Regulation of Education: States have the power to regulate and oversee education systems, including the establishment of schools and universities, and setting educational standards.
  2. Conducting Elections: States are responsible for administering and regulating elections, including local, state, and federal elections.

Two Concurrent Powers

  1. Taxation: Both the federal government and state governments have the power to levy taxes on individuals and businesses.
  2. Establishing Courts: Both levels of government can establish courts to administer justice and resolve legal disputes.

Process for Admitting a State

  1. Enabling Act: The prospective state requests admission, and Congress passes an enabling act, which allows the area to draft a state constitution.
  2. State Constitution: The territory drafts its constitution and submits it to Congress for approval.
  3. Congressional Approval: If Congress approves the constitution and the application for statehood, it passes an act of admission, officially granting statehood.
  4. Presidential Signature: The act of admission is presented to the President, who signs it into law, making the territory an official state.

Two Ways States Work Together

  1. Interstate Compacts: States can enter into agreements with one another to address shared concerns, such as sharing resources, managing shared resources like water, or coordinating law enforcement efforts.
  2. Full Faith and Credit Clause: States are required to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states, which facilitates cooperation among states and helps maintain legal consistency across state lines.