What powers belonged to the federal government?

Delegated (sometimes called enumerated or expressed) powers are specifically granted to the federal government in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This includes the power to coin money, to regulate commerce, to declare war, to raise and maintain armed forces, and to establish a Post Office.

What powers belong to both the federal and state governments?

Concurrent powers are powers that are shared by both the State and the federal government. These powers may be exercised simultaneously within the same territory and in relation to the same body of citizens. These concurrent powers including regulating elections, taxing, borrowing money and establishing courts.

Why is federalism important to our government?

Federalism provides a way for different groups of people in different parts of the country to live together. Federalism provides ways by which these different groups share power over common interests, but it also provides for these groups to have a level of autonomy vis-à-vis central state institutions.

Why separation of power is important?

The intent of separation of powers is to prevent the concentration of unchecked power and to provide for checks and balances, in which the powers of one branch of government is limited by the powers of another branch—to prevent abuses of power and avoid autocracy.

What are two powers denied to the federal government?

Grant titles of nobility. Permit slavery (13th Amendment) Deny citizens the right to vote due to race, color, or previous servitude (15th Amendment) Deny citizens the right to vote because of gender (19th Amendment)

What powers does the federal government have over the States?

States and the federal government have both exclusive powers and concurrent powers. There is an ongoing negotiation over the balance of power between the two levels. Federalism in the United States. Categorical grants, mandates, and the Commerce Clause. Article IV of the Constitution.

What would happen if Congress had all the power?

If Congress got all the power, things would be much different. The US government would then resemble the British system. In that system, Parliament has the great majority of the power and all of the members of the executive branch are part of Parliament as well.

What happens if one branch of government has too much power?

If one branch was able to gain enough power, it could overrule the decisions made by the other two branches. The president could declare wars (though this has happened without the consent of Congress many times in the past), or Congress could enact legislation that would oppress the people.

What are the benefits of a weaker federal government?

One of the clear benefits of a weaker federal government and stronger state governments is that the needs of each state are more easily managed. Alaska, Iowa, Rhode Island, and Florida, for example, are all very different states with very different needs, populations, and values.