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.