INFORMATION FOR COMPLETING THE ASSIGNMENT BELOW

REFERENCE GUIDE - FEDERALISM

Powers of the National Government

Regulate interstate and foreign trade

Raise and support armed forces

Declare war and make treaties

Coin and print money

Grant patents and copyrights

Establish federal courts

Govern territories and admit new states

Set standards of weights and measures

Establish a postal system

Regulate immigration

Receive foreign ambassadors

Settle dispute between states

Admit new states

.

Powers Reserved for State Governments

Regulate trade within the state

Write business/corporation laws

Establish and maintain public schools

Set up local governments

Pass marriage and divorce laws

Conduct elections

Ratify constitutional amendments

Powers Shared by National and State Governments

Collect taxes

Borrow money

Make and enforce laws

Establish and maintain courts

Charter banks

Provide for public welfare

ASSIGNMENT

Federalism Scenarios

Directions: Use a copy of the U.S. Constitution and your understanding of government to rule on the following scenarios.

1.In an effort support local cherry growers, the State of Michigan taxes cherries imported

from other states.

2.The State of North Carolina places a tax on furniture made overseas.

3.The United States Congress requires all high school graduates to have passed a physics

course.

4.The Vermont legislature passes a law that increases the pay of state legislators in Vermont.

The governor signs the law.

5.California is experiencing a budget crisis so it decides to print it own money to pay state

workers.

6.New Mexico residents are angry about the influx of immigrants into their state. They believe

that Mexico is waging a silent war to reclaim territory through immigration. Since the

federal government has not responded to their concerns, the governor of New Mexico

declares war and sends the National Guard to patrol the border.

7.The State of Oregon wants to expand voting rights to people age 16 years old and older.

They enact a law allowing 16 year olds to vote in both state and national elections.

8.The State of Florida raises the drinking age to 25 years of age.

9.The State of New York enacts a law prohibiting smoking in all public places.

10. The governor of the State of Texas renames Texas the "Republic of Texas" and secedes

from the United States.

11. The governor of North Dakota declares martial law, dismantles the state government, and

names himself dictator of the state.

12. The United States government passes a law prohibiting citizens from criticizing their

government.

13. The United States Constitution is amended to eliminate the First Amendment.

14. The United States Constitution is amended to prohibit the sale of alcohol.