GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS AND SERVICES
SS.7.C.3.14 Differentiate between local, state, and federal governments’ obligations and services.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LESSON SUMMARY………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
ESSENTIAL CONTENT BACKGROUND……………………………………………………………………………. 4
CIVICS CONTENT VOCABULARY…………………………………………………………………………………...7
SUGGESTED STUDENT ACTIVITY SEQUENCE…………………………………………………………………....8
STUDENT ACTIVITY RESOURCES/HANDOUTS…………………………………………………………………10
SOURCES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22
ANSWER KEYS………………………………………………………………………………………………………..23
Organization and Function of Government | SS.7.C.3.14 – Updated 7/15 | 1
Lesson Summary
Essential Questions
What are the differences between local, state, and federal government obligations and services? Why do
we have these differences in our form of government?
NGSSS Benchmark
SS.7.C.3.14 Differentiate between local, state, and federal governments’ obligations and services.
Florida Standards
LAFS.68.RH.1.1
LAFS.68.WHST.1.2
LAFS.68.RH.1.2
LAFS.68.WHST.2.4
LAFS.68.RH.2.4
LAFS.68.WHST.4.10
LAFS.68.RH.3.9
LAFS.7.SL.1.1
Overview
In this lesson, students will learn about the distribution of powers and obligations between the levels of
government, compare and contrast the roles that these levels of government play in their lives, and
understand how the U. S. Constitution is the basis for the obligations and powers of each level of
government.
Learning Goals/Benchmark Clarifications
 Students will evaluate scenarios in order to determine which level of government provides
specific services.
 Students will classify government services according to level of government in order to evaluate
the role that each plays in their lives.
 Students will compare the obligations/powers of governments at each level.
 Students will compare the reserved, concurrent and expressed/enumerated powers of government.
Benchmark Content Limits
 Items will not include recall information regarding specific agencies or government officials.
 Items will not include specific powers listed in local charters.
 Items may focus on enumerated powers as listed in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8).
Civics EOC Reporting Category
Reporting Category 4 – Organization and Function of Government
Suggested Time Frame
 Three 45-50 minute class periods
Civics Content Vocabulary
 concurrent powers, enumerated powers, expressed powers, federal government, federalism,
implied powers, inherent powers, local government, reserved powers, state government, Tenth
Amendment
Instructional Strategies
 Directed note
taking

Comparing
texts

Inquiry with
primary
sources
Materials
Projector to display the Federal/State Power Venn Diagram and Copies of the Power Cards from The
“Federal” in Federalism from iCivics: https://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/federal-federalism
Student activity sheets:
 Time Line of The Morning student activity sheet
 Federal, State, and Local Powers & Services student activity sheet
Student reading materials:
 On the Level from iCivics: http://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/level-0
 Excerpts from Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
 State and Local Government Functions & Services
Organization and Function of Government | SS.7.C.3.14 – Updated 7/15 | 2
Lesson Activities and Daily Schedule
Please use the chart below to track activity completion.
Day
Task #
Day
One
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Task 4
Steps in
Lesson
1-4
5-20
21-28
29-34
Task 5
Task 6
Task 7
Task 8
35 & 36
37-39
40 & 41
42
Day
Two
Day
Three
Description
Completed?
Yes/No
Hook Activity
On the Level Reading Activity
Article I, Section 8 Activity
State and Local Government Functions &
Services Activity
Concurrent Powers Activity
Federal/State Power Venn Diagram Activity
Time Line of The Morning Activity
Checking for Understanding
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Essential Content Background
This section addresses the following issues:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Federal obligations and services to the people
State obligations and services to the people
Local obligations and services to the people
Sharing obligations, services and powers
The federal government and state and local governments in the U.S. are obligated by the U.S.
Constitution, state constitutions and local charters to provide services to people living within their
jurisdictions. The obligations and services provided by each level of government speak to the role that
these governments play in citizens’ lives.
1. The federal government’s obligations and services to the people
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of Congress. These powers of Congress
list the federal government’s obligations to the people.
The opening phrase of Article I, Section 8 demonstrates the obligations and services that the federal
government is obligated to provide:
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the
Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all
Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
The federal government is obligated to provide services to citizens equally regardless of the state
in which they live. For example, in providing for the “common defense”, the federal government is
obligated to defend any citizens who are threatened by foreign aggressors no matter where they live in the
U.S. Similarly, all male citizens and resident aliens age 18-26 must register for Selective Service no
matter the state in which they live.
Article I, Section 8 enumerates (lists) the powers of Congress. The final clause of this section extends to
Congress whatever powers it needs to carry out the enumerated powers listed up to that point in the
section.
The “elastic clause” is shown here:
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the
foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the
United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
The final clause of Article I, Section 8 is called either the “elastic clause” or the “necessary and
proper clause”, both of which indicate that the Congress may do whatever it needs to in order to fulfill its
obligations and services to the people. Powers that are given to the federal government are also called
“delegated” powers.
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Together, the terms that are used to describe federal powers are: delegated, enumerated and
express all of which suggest that powers used to fulfill federal obligations are limited. Still, that Congress
may do what it believes it needs to in order to fulfill its obligations suggests that Congress’ powers are not
as limited as Article I, Section 8 would suggest.
2. The state government’s obligations and services to the people
The State of Florida is obligated to provide specific services to individuals living in Florida.
These services include public safety, law enforcement, health services and education. Florida’s
obligations and services are granted through the Tenth Amendment which reads as follows:
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the
States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
As indicated by the Tenth Amendment, the states have “reserved” powers, which are powers that
the state governments have to fulfill their obligations and services. The powers reserved to the states are
not limited; states may do what they want as long as they are not forbidden from doing so by the federal
government.
The Florida state government has the highest authority over local government affairs, as defined
by the U.S. federal system. Local governments, counties and cities, are subdivisions of the state
government. They may not pass laws that conflict with state laws.
3. Local obligations and services to the people
Note: The following material is adapted from Florida League of Cities: Florida City and County
Government: A Teacher Handbook 1991, Unit 2, Lessons 1-3 and Unit 6, Lesson 3.
Public safety is a key responsibility of local government that provides law enforcement, fire
protection, animal control and protection, and code enforcement.
Public safety is a key responsibility of local government. One of the most important safety
services provided by city and county government is police protection and law enforcement. City police
officers and county sheriffs are responsible for enforcing federal, state and local laws. In the event of a
declared emergency, local law enforcement authorities are obligated and empowered to enforce all orders,
rules and regulations issue pursuant to the state Emergency Management Act. Public safety also includes
fire protection, building inspection, code enforcement, animal control and protection, and emergency
medical and rescue services.
Public services are basic city services that include transportation and public works, sanitation,
solid and liquid waste management, air quality management, toxic and hazardous waste disposal, storm
water management, parks, public recreational services, libraries, water purification, wastewater (sewage)
treatment, cable television, airports, ports, harbors, public cemeteries, golf courses, public housing
assistance, and electric or gas utilities.
Counties must carry out constitutionally mandated responsibilities and those established by the
state. County-level constitutional services include law enforcement and jail administration, tax
collection, property appraisal, state court administration and supervision of elections. Counties are
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also charged with road maintenance, public health, solid waste disposal and other environmental
responsibilities. Elected county officials determine other county services.
Each county has its own school district that has elected boards that govern the day-to-day
operations of K-12 public education. School districts are a special-purpose local government. Funding
is provided through property taxes and state revenues.
4. Sharing obligations, services and powers
The information provided here demonstrates that federal, state and local governments share
responsibility to provide for the general welfare. In order to fulfill these responsibilities, governments are
extended powers, some of which are limited by the U.S. and state-level constitutions. Federal obligations
and services extend to all Americans no matter the state in which they live while state obligations and
services are provided to all who live within that state’s borders. In Florida, every inch of land is included
in one of Florida’s 67 counties. Each of Florida’s counties is obligated by the state government and by
county charter to fulfill various obligations and services. Over one-half of all Florida residents live in one
of Florida’s 400+ cities; like counties, cities are obligated to provide services to those living within city
limits.
Concurrent powers are powers that are shared between and among the federal, state and local
governments. For example, both the federal and state governments have the power to tax while both the
federal and state governments are obligated to provide public services, such as health and medical care.
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Civics Content Vocabulary
Word/Term
Part of Speech
Definition
concurrent
powers
expressed or
enumerated
powers
noun
federal
government
federalism
noun
implied powers
noun
inherent powers
noun
local government
noun
powers shared by the national, state, and/or local
government
the powers specifically named and assigned to the
federal government or prohibited to be exercised by
the states under the U.S. Constitution, also known as
delegated powers
the national level of government; the government of
the United States
a system of government in which power is divided
and shared between national, state, and local
government
powers not written in the U.S. Constitution but are
necessary and proper in order for the federal
government to carry out the expressed powers
powers not listed in the U.S. Constitution but are
necessary for the federal government to function
the governing body of a municipality or county
reserved powers
noun
state government
noun
Tenth
Amendment
proper noun
noun
noun
powers that are not granted to the federal government
that belong to (are reserved for) the states and the
people
the government of an individual state
the final amendment in the Bill of Rights, it states:
”The powers not delegated to the United States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States,
are reserved to the States respectively, or to the
people.”
Organization and Function of Government | SS.7.C.3.14 – Updated 7/15 | 7
Suggested Student Activity Sequence
1. To begin this lesson, pass out the “Time Line of The Morning” student activity sheet.
2. Review the provided example with the class and instruct students to work independently to list
the time and a description of ten activities they completed before arriving at your class today.
3. Provide students with time to complete this activity.
4. Engage students in a brief discussion, posing the following questions: “Have you considered if
the government plays a role in the activities you completed this morning? In general, do you
think the government has a role in the everyday tasks we complete?”
5. Pass out the “On the Level” student reading from iCivics:
http://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/level-0.
6. Pass out the “Federal, State, and Local Powers & Services” student activity sheet and explain to
students that while they read, they will learn about and be able to define some important civics
content vocabulary terms.
7. Ask a student to read aloud the titles for the three paragraphs in the reading (federal powers,
state powers, and local powers).
8. Ask students where they have heard the terms federal, state, and local before. Remind students
that there are three levels of government: federal, state, and local.
9. Ask students to define each level of government and to write their answers on the activity sheet.
Review answers for accuracy.
10. Ask a student to hypothesize what this reading will be about based on the paragraph titles
(powers of each level of government).
11. Begin the activity as a whole class by reading aloud the “Federal Powers” paragraph.
12. Ask the students to share any key terms they noticed in this paragraph (delegated powers,
expressed powers, implied powers, and inherent powers).
13. Explain to students that they will reread the paragraph and during this second reading, they will
need to underline or mark any words or phrases that help them define the terms.
14. Reread the paragraph.
15. Provide students with time to define the terms: delegated powers, expressed powers, implied
powers, and inherent powers, on their activity sheet.
16. Have students share out and check their answers for accuracy.
17. Pose the following question for discussion: “Now that you know the different types of federal
powers, how would you define the term federal powers?”
18. Provide students with time to write a definition and review for accuracy.
19. Instruct students to complete the remaining two paragraphs of the reading independently.
Remind students to underline or mark any words or phrases that help them define the terms
while reading
20. Review as a whole class.
21. Pose the following question to the students: “Did the reading say where the federal government
got its power from?” (U.S. Constitution).
22. Pass out the “Excerpts from Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution” reading and explain to
students that they are going to look closely at the powers listed for the federal government in
order to understand how the powers become services for citizens.
23. Review the first excerpt and meaning as a whole class.
24. Provide time for students to complete the rest of the reading and activity.
25. Instruct students to return to their “Federal, State, and Local Powers & Services” student activity
sheet.
26. Direct their attention to the summary of services section at the end of the federal powers section.
Using their understanding of federal powers and their reading of excerpts from Article I, Section
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8, ask students to think about the conclusions they can make about federal government services.
Pose the following questions for discussion: “How do the powers of this level of government
translate into services for the country? What is the impact of these services on citizens’ lives?”
27. Provide time for students to answer this question independently.
28. Have students share out and check for accuracy.
29. Explain to students that now that they have an understanding of the powers and services of the
federal government, they will look more closely at state and local governments’ functions and
services.
30. Pass out the “State and Local Government Functions & Services” reading.
31. Direct students to read the passage independently.
32. Instruct students to return to their “Federal, State, and Local Powers & Services” student activity
sheet.
33. Direct the students to the summary of services section at the end of the state and local powers
sections. Using what they have read, instruct students to make conclusions about state and local
services by summarizing the services and how they impact citizens’ lives.
34. Have students share out and discuss their conclusions as a whole class.
35. Ask a student to remind the class of the definition for concurrent powers.
36. Ask students to think about what they have learned about federal and state powers and to
brainstorm some examples of concurrent powers.
37. Place students into pairs, project the “Federal/State Power Venn Diagram” on the board and pass
out 1-2 “Power Cards” from iCivics: https://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/federalfederalism to each set of partners.
38. Instruct students to discuss their card with their partner and then ask one student from each pair
to come up to the board and place their power in the correct section of the diagram: expressed,
implied and inherent powers, concurrent powers, or reserved powers.
39. Review the answers as a class and clarify any misunderstandings.
40. Have students take out their “Time Line of The Morning” student activity sheet.
41. Instruct students to look at the ten tasks they listed at the beginning of this lesson and to fill in
the third column. For each task, they should list the level of government and service that was
provided. Teacher note: See Sample Answers section for examples.
42. Checking for Understanding (Formative Assessment):
Instruct students to write a well-crafted informative response using one of the following
prompts:
Prompt 1
Instruct student to write a well-crafted informative response to the question at the bottom of the
“Time Line of The Morning” student activity sheet.
Prompt 2
Many citizens are unaware that the three levels of government provide different services. How
would you explain the services of the federal, state, and local governments to an unaware
citizen?
Extension Suggestion: For additional support to help students understand the role of government
in their lives, project the online simulation “An Ordinary Day: The Impact of
Congress/Government” from the Center on Congress, http://congress.indiana.edu/e-learningmodule-the-impact-congress and point out examples of government services as they appear in
the simulation.
Organization and Function of Government | SS.7.C.3.14 – Updated 7/15 | 9
Time Line of The Morning
Complete a time line of ten activities you completed this morning before arriving at this class. For each
activity, list the time and a brief description. Leave the last column blank until you receive additional
instructions from your teacher.
Time
6:00 a.m.
Activity
Brushed teeth
Government Involved (service provided)
Local government (water management)
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
_________
____________________
___________________________________
Checking for Understanding: What conclusion can you draw about government services based on your
timeline?
Organization and Function of Government | SS.7.C.3.14 – Updated 7/15 | 10
On the Level
Name:
Federal Powers
Expressed:
The Constitution assigns, or delegates, specific powers to the
Take a look at the
federal government. There are three types of delegated powers,
Constitution… it’s
and they are the only powers that the federal government holds.
there!
Expressed powers are listed clearly in the Constitution. They
include the power to print money or declare war. Implied powers
are not written out clearly in the Constitution. Instead, the
Constitution gives the federal government the power to make laws
Implied:
that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out the expressed
Think about the
powers. For example, the Constitution expressly gives the federal
Constitution…
it’s
government the power to establish post offices, but it does not
necessary
and
expressly give the power to print postage stamps. Postage stamps
proper!
are a “necessary and proper” part of running a post office,
however, so the federal government has the power to print them.
Finally, inherent powers are not listed in the Constitution but are
Inherent:
necessary for the federal government to function. The Constitution
Consider what the
doesn’t talk about immigration or international relations, but the
Constitution was
government still has to act on these items. It is understood that the
trying to establish…
federal government must play a role in these areas.
it’s essential!
State Powers
Powers Given by
the Constitution
Concurrent
Powers
Powers Reserved
to the States
The Constitution does not delegate any specific powers
to the states. There is no list of “state powers.” Instead,
any power the Constitution does not give to the federal
government is reserved to the states. The Constitution
does deny powers to the states, meaning there is a
listing of things that they can’t do. This may sound like
the states don’t have much power, but reserved powers
are actually very broad. The Constitution says nothing
about many important powers, such as public safety,
health, education, licenses, and many other things! All of
these powers are reserved to the states. Some state
powers do overlap with the federal government, and
these are called concurrent powers.
Local Powers
The Constitution says nothing about local governments. That’s because the
principle of federalism created by the Constitution has only two levels: the
national and the state level. The power to create local governments is a power
reserved to the states. Local governments get their power from the state where
they are located, and each state gives slightly different powers to its local
governments. Counties, cities, towns, townships, boroughs, and parishes are all
types of local government.
Usually, the state will make broad laws about things like public safety, health,
and education. Then it gives local governments the power to make more
detailed laws about these issues or to decide how these laws will be carried out.
Counties in the state of Illinois
Reading p.2
Organization and Function of Government | SS.7.C.3.14 – Updated 7/15 | 11
Federal, State, and Local Powers & Services
Directions: Learning new terms and concepts by determining their definition as they appear in the text in context is
an important skill. While reading, your task is to identify the key terms by marking the evidence that helps you
define the term and then summarizing the term and using complete sentences.
By the end of this reading, you will be able to summarize the powers for each level of government.
I.
Federal Government Federal Powers a. Delegated powers b. Expressed powers c. Implied powers d. Inherent powers Summary of Services -
II.
State Government State Powers a. Reserved powers Summary of Services -
III.
Concurrent Powers –
Examples:
IV.
Local Government Local Powers Summary of Services -
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Excerpts from Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
Directions: For each excerpt of Article I, Section 8, summarize the text in your own words.
What it says:
What it means:
SECTION. 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes,
the power to set taxes, tariffs and other means of
Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the
raising federal revenue, and to authorize the
common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, expenditure of all federal funds
Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several
States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the
subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the
Standard of Weights and Measures;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules
concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use
shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy; To make Rules for the Government and
Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into
Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this
Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any
Department or Officer thereof.
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State & Local Government Functions & Services
The Florida state government has highest authority over local government affairs, as defined by the
U.S. federal system. Local governments, counties and cities, are subdivisions of the state
government and may not pass laws that conflict with state government laws.
State Government Functions & Services
1. Public safety – the FL Department of Law Enforcement provides a police force and the State Fire
Marshal regulates fire codes
2. Provides health and financial services
3. Provides public education and grants teaching certificates
4. Assistance and safety management during natural disasters
5. Approves and authorizes business licenses
6. Regulates instate business
7. Regulates code enforcement
8. Oversees state transportation systems and growth plans
9. Creates safety regulations for utilities
10. Grants driver’s licenses
11. Provides a state court system
12. Can tax and borrow money
Local Government - County Functions & Services
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Public safety – county sheriff and fire protection
Provides and maintains county jails
Regulates and maintains county roads
Provide a recycling program
Provides facilities for state courts and oversees county courts
Waste management and disposal
Animal control services
Manages voter registration and conduct elections
Issues marriage licenses
Issues vehicle registrations
Can tax and borrow money
Local Government - City Functions & Services
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Public safety – has a police force, fire protection, and fire-prevention codes
Enforces building safety codes, electrical codes and zoning regulations
Regulates and maintains city roads
Provides utilities - water, sewage system, and trash collection
Provides parks and recreational services
May create a public transit system (buses, trains, etc.) and an airport
May create and manage libraries and cemeteries
Can tax and borrow money
Sources:
Florida Municipal Officials’ Manual
http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Publications.aspx?CNID=176
Florida Association of Counties Fact Sheet
http://www.fl-counties.com/docs/pdfs/fs-servicesprovide(1).pdf?sfvrsn=0
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/government/federalism2.html
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Sources
On the Level Student Reading: http://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/level-0
Venn Diagram and Power Cards: https://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/federalfederalism
Excerpts from Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution: http://constitutioncenter.org/
State & Local Government Services Florida Municipal Officials’ Manual:
http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Publications.aspx?CNID=176
Florida Association of Counties Fact Sheet: http://www.fl-counties.com/docs/pdfs/fsservicesprovide(1).pdf?sfvrsn=0
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/68/government/federalism2.html
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Federal, State, and Local Powers & Services – Sample Answers
Directions: Learning new terms and concepts by determining their definition as they appear in the text in context is
an important skill. While reading, your task is to identify the key terms by marking the evidence that helps you
define the term and then summarizing the term and using complete sentences.
By the end of this reading, you will be able to summarize the powers for each level of government.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Federal Government – The federal government is the organization through which political
authority is exercised at the national level, it is the government of the United States.
Federal Powers – The federal powers are the powers listed in the U.S. Constitution and the
ones necessary for the federal government to function.
a. Delegated powers – Delegated powers are the specific powers assigned to the federal
government.
b. Expressed powers – Expressed powers are the powers listed in the U.S. Constitution.
c. Implied powers – Implied powers are not written in the U.S. Constitution but they are
the powers that are necessary and proper in order for the federal government to carry out
the expressed powers.
d. Inherent powers – Inherent powers are not listed in the U.S. Constitution but they are
the powers necessary for the federal government to function.
Summary of Services – The services of the federal government are to protect, assist or
manage issues that are of interest or concern of the entire country. For example, the federal
government provides post offices and money, manages relationships with other countries and
between states, determines naturalization laws and supports a military.
State Government – The state government is the organization through which political
authority is exercised at the state level; it is the government of a specific state.
State Powers – The state powers are the powers not listed for the federal government in the
U.S. Constitution and the powers necessary for the states to function.
a. Reserved powers - Any power that is not given to the federal government is given to
the state governments.
Summary of Services – The services of the state governments are to protect and regulate
issues that impact the entire state. States provide regulations for local government services, grant
business licenses, driver’s licenses and teaching certificates and provide public safety through
police, fire and highway safety.
Concurrent Powers – Concurrent powers are powers that belong to the federal and state
governments.
Examples: collect taxes, build roads, borrow money, establish courts, make and enforce laws,
spend money for the general welfare, charter banks and corporations
Local Government – Local government is the governing body of a municipality or county.
Local Powers – Local powers are given to local governments by state governments.
Summary of Services – Citizens come in contact with many local governments services on a
daily basis. Local governments provide police and fire protection, build roads, create parks,
utilities and recycling.
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Excerpts from Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
Directions: For each excerpt of Article I, Section 8, summarize the text in your own words.
What it says:
What it means:
SECTION. 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes,
the power to set taxes, tariffs and other means of
Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the
raising federal revenue, and to authorize the
common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, expenditure of all federal funds
Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
The federal government borrows money by
issuing bonds. This creates a national debt, which
the United States is obligated to repay.
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several
allows Congress to regulate business activities
States, and with the Indian Tribes;
"among the states."
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the
Establish rules for naturalization or immigrants
subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
becoming citizens
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Coin money
Standard of Weights and Measures;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
Establish post offices
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
Create courts below the Supreme Court
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules
Declare war
concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use
Create and support an Army
shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy; To make Rules for the Government and
Create and support a Navy
Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into
Congress can create laws that are necessary and
Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this
proper to carry out their powers
Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any
Department or Officer thereof.
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Time Line of The Morning – Sample Answers
Time
6:00 a.m.
6:05 a.m.
6:10 a.m.
6:45 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
7:15 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
7:45 a.m.
7:50 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Activity
Government Involved (service provided)
Turned on the lights
Local government (utilities)
Brushed teeth
Local government (utilities)
Used the toilet
Local government (utilities)
Started driving to school with my mom State government (driver’s license)
Stopped at a fast food restaurant for breakfast State government (business license)
Got on I-4 to drive to school
State government (state road)
Arrived at school
State government (funding for schools)
Handed in my sports permission slip Local government (parks and recreation)
Said hello to the school Safety Officer Local government (police force)
Began the school day in math class State government (teacher’s certificate)
Checking for Understanding – Sample Answer
The conclusion that I can draw about government services based on my time line of the morning
is that more than one level of government is involved in my daily activities. Local government
plays a role in many things that I do. Local government provides services that I need at home and
at school so that I have the utilities I need, I am safe in my community and can participate in
activities. The state government also plays a role in providing safety. Without state government,
I wouldn’t have the roads I use every day, our school building wouldn’t exist and we wouldn’t
have our teachers.
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