Federalism

1.  What does Federalism mean by definition and what does Federalism mean to you?
By definition, federalism is: A principle of government that defines the relationship between the central government at the national level and its constituent units at the regional, state, or local levels. Under this principle of government, power and authority is allocated between the national and local governmental units, such that each unit is delegated a sphere of power and authority only it can exercise, while other powers must be shared.
To me, federalism is how our government works together for the good of everyone. Each part of the government needs to do its individual part, but they all work together for the good of the people.


2.  List and describe the three powers of the National Government.
Delegated-coin money, make and retain armed forces, declare war
Concurrent- taxes, borrow money, establish courts
State- public schools, elections, trade

3.  Explain the division of powers and why it is important?
The division of powers is the legislative, exectutive, and judicial branches. They all have their own jobs that they focus on, and they also work together for the good of the people.

4.  What is the Supremacy Clause and what is its function?
The supremacy clause basically states that everyone must follow the federal laws, despite what the state laws say. It's for order.

5.  Find a site on the Internet that deals with Federalism.  Take 10 minutes and review that site.  Provide the link and provide some of the useful information that you found to help you better understand what Federalism is and how it works.
http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_fedr.html
This site shows the different forms of government and tells you why countries choose the ones they do. Federalism is chosen so not one group has all of the power. The president and his people have their power, and the states have theirs. They all work together for the common good of the people.

What are your views on the latest political ads on TV?  What candidate(s) do you like or dislike and why?

What role do you feel that you will play in politics and government in the future?  What ways are you participating currently?

Although I don't really watch much TV, I don't like how the ads are just bashing the other candidates. I never see them saying why I should vote for them, only why I shouldn't vote for someone else. In my opinion, they should be making themselves look good instead of making the other people seem bad. They should play their own game instead of someone else's. One of the candidates I like is Stephanie Herseth. I feel like at least what I've seen that she runs her own race. She tells everyone what she will do, and what she thinks and believes instead of what other people do wrong.
I am currently registered to vote, and I can look into what the truth is about certain candidates to help me reach my decision. I can also talk to other people to get the facts.