Federalism Round Up Due Tuesday Oct 26th

Expressed Powers
This power is delegated to the National Government. In 18 clauses, the constitution expressly gives 27 powers to congress.  These powers include to act as commander in chief of the armed forces, to grant reprieves and pardons, to make treaties, and to appoint major federal officials.

The Supreme Court and Federalism
This court was first called to settle a clash between a national and a State law in 1819. The case, McCullock vs. Maryland, involved the controversial Second Bank of the United States.  James McCulloch, the branch cashier, refused to pay the tax, and the Maryland courts convicted him for that refusal.

The Nation's Obligations to the States
The Constitution requires the National Government to "guarantee to every State this Union a Republican Form of Government."  The Constitution doesn't define "Republican Form of Government," and the supreme court has regularly refused to do so.  The Supreme Court has held that the question of whether a State has a republican form of government is a political question.  That is, it is one to be decided by the political branches of the government- the President and Congress- and not by the courts.

Admitting New States
Only Congress has the power to admit new states to the union.  Congress has admitted 37 states since the original 13 formed the union, as the map on the next page shows.  Before finally admitting a new State, Congress has often set certain conditions.  For example, in 1896, Utah was admitted on condition that its constitution outlaw polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse at a time.

Interstate Compacts
No State can enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation.  By 1920, the states had made only 26 compacts.  More than 200 compacts are not in force, and many involve several States.  Other agreements cover a widening rang of subjects.  They include, compacts designed to coordinate the development and conservation of wildlife.

Privileges and Immunities
This clause, known as the Privileges and Immunities Clause, means that no State can draw unreasonable distinctions between its own residents.  Each state must recognize the right of any American to travel in or become a resident of that State.  At the same time, a State cannot do such things as try to relieve its unemployment problems by requiring employers to give a hiring preference to in-State residents.

Due: October 17th

Answer the following questions and post on your blog.  You may use any resources that you need.
Due: October 17th

1.  What does Federalism mean by definition and what does Federalism mean to you?
the principle or a system of federal union

2.  List and describe the three powers of the National Government.
the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary branch
The legislative branch—the Congress—makes the laws. The executive branch—the president—implements the laws. The judiciary—the court system—interprets the laws and decides legal controversies.

3.  Explain the division of powers and why it is important?
The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct departments: legislative, executive and judicial. No person or persons belonging to or constituting one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others except in the instances expressly provided in this constitution.

4.  What is the Supremacy Clause and what is its function?
The Supremacy Clause is a clause in the United States Constitution, Article VI, Section 1, Clause 2. This clause asserts and establishes the Constitution, the federal laws made in pursuance of the Constitution, and treaties made by the United States with foreign nations as "the Supreme Law of the Land". The text of Article VI, Clause 2, establishes these as the highest form of law in the American legal system, both in the Federal Courts and in all of the State courts, mandating that all state judges shall uphold them, even if there are state laws or state constitutions that conflict with the powers of the Federal government.

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.recoveringfederalist.com/
This site is trying to restore the federalism in America.  There is three books out: Bedrock, Prosperity, and Enough.

Due: October 15th.

In your blog, post the following questions:

What are your views on the latest political ads on TV?  What candidate(s) do you like or dislike and why?
    I believe Kristi Noem will do great in Washington!  Stephanie thinks she has a lead on Kristi because of all of the driving things that came out a couple of months ago.  Kristi raised 1.1 million dollars in the third quarter and doubled what Stephanie has made.  Kristi is also Republican and she does not claim herself to be a tea party follower, but the people who claim to be tea party agree with what Kristi Noem is saying.
What role do you feel that you will play in politics and government in the future?  What ways are you participating currently?
I think i will play a big part in polotics someday, won't everybody?  Vote how you feel and what you want done for your state and country and let other people vote how they would like to see it ran.  I live in a house where my parents openly talk about politicians and what they believe and I think we get our view points on how we are raised.