Federalism & the U.S. Constitution
This system divides power between national, state, and local governments.
What is federalism?
This branch enforces the laws at both state and national levels.
What is executive branch?
This elected official leads a state’s executive branch and may command the state National Guard.
Who is the Governor?
Most decisions affecting daily life—roads, parks, safety—are made at this level.
What is local?
All levels of government collect _____ to fund services and carry out responsibilities
What are taxes?
This part of the Constitution says federal law outranks state law.
What is Article VI (Supremacy Clause)?
If the President picks a Supreme Court Justice, this chamber must approve.
What is the Senate?
These state lawmakers pass laws, collect taxes, and create budgets.
Who are state legislators?
This type of district is created to handle one specific job like schools or fire protection.
What is a special purpose district?
From the US Constitution's Preamble,
This phrase describes maintaining peace and safety within the country.
What is to ensure domestic tranquility?
This amendment reserves powers to the states when not given to the federal government.
What is the 10th?
This branch interprets the laws in both federal and state systems.
What is the Judicial?
This process reallocates seats in state and U.S. House districts after the census.
What is apportionment?
This form of city government uses a trained administrator hired by elected officials.
What is Council-Manager system?
Local governments often struggle to fill boards because they depend on these unpaid contributors.
Who are volunteers?
This U.S. Constitution Article requires states to honor each other’s public acts, records, and legal decisions.
What is IV?
This governor power allows a state executive to reject a bill or spending plan.
What is veto power?
Most legal cases in the U.S. are handled at this level rather than federal courts.
What are state (and local) courts?
This county law enforcement official typically runs the jail and enforces local laws.
Who is the sheriff?
High public visibility makes this level of government closely watched because it affects daily life.
What is the local goverment?
This political practice redraws voting district lines to advantage a political group.
What is gerrymandering?
These courts—trial or appellate—review how the law was applied in earlier cases.
What are appellate?
These higher-level trial courts handle major criminal and civil cases.
What are superior/county/district courts?
These districts are most associated with being lead by commissioners
What are counties?
Citizens can influence their governments, at any level, by civic ____________; petitioning for change, attending town hall meetings, voting, volunteer to help a political party are examples.
What is participation?