Aim: How does the U.S. government work?
Do Now: Copy Vocabulary Below:
Federalism: the balancing of power between a Federal
Government and State Governments. Within this system
the Federal Government is superior to the State
Governments
Delegated Powers (Enumerated) - those powers specifically
assigned to the Federal Government
Reserved Powers - all powers not specifically delegated the
Federal Government are to be reserved or saved for the
State Governments.
Concurrent Powers - are those powers that both the federal
and state governments have at the same time. (tax)
**Implied Powers - These are powers that are NOT
specifically delegated in the Constitution, but are
understood to be necessary or allowed.
Read and Complete Handout No. 1: The Federal System.
Under federalism, the federal (central) government shares powers with the state
governments. The Constitution spells out the division of powers. The Federal governments
powers may either be delegated (specifically mentioned). Implied (indirectly indicated), or
concurrent (shared). The powers of the state governments may either be concurrent or
reserved (for exclusive use of those governments).
1. Who seems to be winning the tug-of-war?
2. On whose team are “Implied Powers” and “Delegated Powers”? Why?
3. Why is “Concurrent Powers” on both teams?
4. What is the main idea of the cartoon?
5. Do you agree with the cartoonist’s point of view? Why or why not?
Quick Review
The Articles of Confederation failed because the Feds were too weak.
The Framers meet at the Constitutional
Articles of Confederation.
Convention in 1787 to fix the
The Federalists and Anti-Federalist argued. The Federalists wanted a strong
CENTRAL government and the Anti-Federalists wanted a strong STATE government.
After fierce debate, the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
This appeased the Anti-Federalists and in 1791, the Constitution was
(approved).
ratified
The new (and approved) Constitution changed how the U.S.
Governments worked in two very important ways.
1) It had a Bill of Rights that protected the people’s
individual rights and freedoms from potential tyranny.
2) It set up a new form of government based on the principle
of
Federalism.
Workshop I: Understanding Federalism
1) Read: Federalism and the System of Checks and Balances
2) Complete your Venn Diagrams by placing the Government
powers below under the correct heading (Enumerated
Powers, Reserved Powers or Concurrent Powers).
Separation of Powers = The powers of our federal
(national) government are divided into three branches:
legislative, executive, and judicial. The branches are separate
but equal. They each have special responsibilities concerning
laws, the principles that govern our nation. This is called
Checks and Balances
Congress: Senate (100
members) and the House of
Representatives (435
members)
** Makes Laws **
 Creates and passes bills
(proposed laws)
 Approves appointments and
treaties (agreements) made
by the President
 Sets and collects taxes
 Coins money
Makes rules for trade
between states
Responsible for the
impeachment process
Declares war
The President, Vice President,
14 Cabinet members (heads of
14 executive departments)
Judicial Branch (Supreme
Court )
The Supreme Court (9 justices)
and the Lower federal courts
** Carries Out (Executes) Laws
 Signs into law or vetoes
(rejects) bills passed by Congress
 Commands the armed forces
 Appoints judges, ambassadors,
and other federal officials
 Makes treaties with other
countries
 Receives diplomats from other
countries
Represents the U.S. at special
ceremonies
** Interprets Laws **
 Can decide if a law is
constitutional
 Can decide if a Presidential
action is constitutional
 Reviews court cases related
to the Constitution and federal
laws
Reviews cases tried in lower
courts
Quick Quiz: Did Congress possess the Power to
Impeach President Clinton after the Monica Lewinski
Scandal?
Congress = The Legislative Branch
(House of Representatives and the
Senate)