Ol' Government
Which big states' right dominated the conversation for the first hundred or so years?
The right to enslave other humans
Can the city of Seattle make a treaty with the Muckleshoot tribe
No
True or False: even though The Constitution gives Congress the power to tax - states can also add on their own taxes.
Can Washington state ban trade on all goods made in Oregon?
No
No
The 14th Amendment gives equal protection under the law. This was used to strike down what state laws in the 1960s
Jim Crow Laws
Can individual businesses in Seattle make contracts with the Muckleshoot tribe
Yes
True or False: Citizens vote for both state representatives in the State congress and state representatives in the National congress
True
Can the USA ban all goods imported from China?
Yes
Oregon (try getting your own gas)
Before the 1960s Loving decision, southern States prevented inter-racial marriage. The Supreme Court said that this violated the 14th Amendment. Thinking about Federalism, why did Jim Crow states have to change their laws?
Because Supremacy Clause
New Jersey's state constitution gave women the right to vote before the rest of the nation, but that was limited to state elections. Why were women in New Jersey not allowed to vote in Federal Elections?
Because constitution supersedes the state constitution
The Constitution says the Federal government can "make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces"
Can the state of Washington create its own army?
No
Can a private company based in Washington stop doing business with all companies in Oregon and refuse to hire anyone living in Oregon?
yes. (the hiring piece might get a legal challenge)
Different states have different prison systems. Alabama has a scheduled execution this year, Washington has not had an execution in over two decades - how is this possible?
Punishments are not an enumerated power
Government has the right to regulate banks and trade. Could a Private Company existing in the USA refuse to let regulators from the FTC audit them?
Nope.
Cannabis is legal in Washington but illegal Federally. Can Federal Agents arrest someone for possession of Cannabis in Seattle?
Yes
If a State Law directly contradicts a Federal Law, which law will have supremacy?
The Federal Law
Could a private company create their own currency to use on their products?
If this right was violated by a soldier from Washington state, would your suit be against the state or the federal government
Federal Government
What level of government operates US territories? (Guam/DC/Puerto Rico)
The Federal Government
Yes. The constitution is not specific about what types of guns are allowed. (it might face a lot of legal challenges though)
"The Congress shall have Power... To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."
This is the "Necessary and Proper" clause of the Constitution. Why might this be significant regarding Federalism?
It sets the precedent for congress to have more power
Could a private company set up contracts with foreign nations?
Yep, it is a fascinating and very interesting side of international business ($280 billion industry according to the world bank)
If a Washington based business does something illegal in Montana that is legal in Washington, Can the company be held accountable in Montana?
Yep!