Federal Governments and the States

Question 1

Federal Government Powers

Answer 1

There are exclusive powers held by the federal government. The federal government has exclusive power to print money and declare war. There has been increased power in the federal government The federal government has “implied” powers, granted by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution (the “necessary and proper” clause). The federal government can choose how much power it has over the states. This power increased from the 1920s and 1930s onwards.

Question 2

State Powers

Answer 2

There are exclusive powers held by the states, which are “reserved”. States have the reserved right to issue licenses for marriages. States have the exclusive power to ratify amendments to the constitution. States have the exclusive power to conduct elections. States tend to have more power over the day-to-day lives of their residents.

Question 3

Shared Powers

Answer 3

There are powers shared by the federal government and the states which are “concurrent”. Both states and the federal government have the power to levy taxes.