It does so because the national government is based on the concept of federalism, a system in which the
power is divided between the national and state governments. - Answers Why does the Constitution
divide power between the national and state governments?
It gives the national government certain specified powers, reserving all other powers to the states or to
the people. - Answers How does the Constitution divide power between national and state
governments?
The national government guarantees every state a democratic form of government and will protect each
state from invasion and against domestic violence. The national government also will respect territorial
integrity of each state. - Answers What does the national government guarantee to the state
governments?
State and local governments conduct and pay for elections of all national government officials and play a
key role in the process of amending the Constitution, as three-fourths of the states must approve an
amendment. - Answers What obligations do the state governments have to the national government?
Congress can issue a mandate, a law that requires states to take on an activity or provide a service that
meets minimum national standards or pass a restraint, an act that limits a state's ability to regulate an
area. - Answers How does the federal government influence state and local governments?
The Supreme Court has held that when the national government and a state government come into
conflict, the national government is supreme. - Answers What role has the Supreme Court played in
settling disputes between the federal and state governments?
regulating and promoting business, protecting life and property, promoting education, health, and
welfare, protecting the environment, and freedom to each state in setting its own laws, regulations,
taxes, criminal codes, and budget priorities - Answers Under federalism, what powers are held by state
governments?
They may enter into an interstate compact, which is a written agreement approved by Congress. -
Answers How do states cooperate and resolve conflicts with one another?
States will often pass a law and then other states will follow, such as the sunshine law in Florida. When
public policy is created at the national level, states follow it, such as the 1964 Voting Rights Act. -
Answers How is public policy created at different levels of government?
Republican Party members, Tea Party members, and libertarians believe the Constitution sets clear
limits on the power of the national government. Democratic Party members and progressives believe
the Constitution confirms the Founders' belief in the need for a strong national government. - Answers
What are different political parties' views on the proper balance of power between national and state
governments?