Federalism:

1. Federalism: National, State, and Local Powers

2. U.S. is the first nation founded with a federalist system of government. • Was established that way because the framers knew the states would be reluctant to give up power to a national government. • Power is divided among the national government and the state governments. The Establishment of a Federal System

3. Divided into 3 powers: • Expressed Powers: powers specifically granted to the national government (17 listed in the Constitution) • Concurrent Powers: powers that are shared by the national and state governments (levy taxes). • Reserved Powers: powers that are reserved by the state governments (like overseeing public schools). Division of Powers

5. Federalism protects against tyranny of the majority. • The minority can move to a state where their wants are better respected. • Federalism promotes unity without imposing uniformity. • All public schools are operated differently state-to-state, but all states see public school as important. • Federalism creates laboratories for public experiments. • Federalism encourages political participation. • Everyone can be involved in the government close to home. Benefits of a Federal System

6. Lack of consistency of laws and policies from state to state • Different credentials to get a drivers license and different speed limits • Tension between state and federal officials (like controlling wildlife) Drawbacks of a Federal System

7. Every state constitution has to support “a republican form of government.” • States can set up the government how ever they want. • Nebraska has a unicameral legislature. • State constitutions change more frequently • Most states are on their second constitution • Most state constitutions have been amended more than 100 times. State Governments

8. Responsible for enacting laws, levying taxes, and creating budgets. • Elected by popular vote • They are responsible for apportionment, or distribution of the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and in state legislatures. • Has caused gerrymandering: drawing up boundaries of a legislative district with the intent of giving one party or group a significant advantage. State Legislatures

9. Best known public officials in their state. • Elected by a popular vote • Manage the executive branch of their state • Powers usually include: establishing legislative agendas, preparing the state budget, veto bills and budgets of the legislature, appointing state officials, granting pardons, command the state National Guard, issue executive orders (task forces) • Serve as ambassadors for their state State Governors

10. Trial Court: handles most cases that affect the daily lives of citizens • Municipal courts deal with traffic tickets, adoption, divorces, etc. • Small claims courts deal with settling disputes involving money. • Superior court, county court, and district court deal with major criminal cases and lawsuits • Appeals Court: handles cases that are appealed or requested to be reviewed to reverse the decision made in trial court. State Court System

11. States are divided up into Counties • Purpose is to provide government services to rural residents • Law enforcement, courts, road construction and maintenance, public assistance to the poor, recording legal documents, hospitals, libraries, parks, fire protection, and agricultural aid. • Headed up by an elected board of commissioners • Usually elect a sheriff, county assessor, judges, fire marshal, and county coroner. Local Governments

12. Mayor is chief executive of the city • City council is the lawmaking body • Usually have their own police, road repair, • Some cities elect a city manager Towns and Cities