AP US Government & Politics
Federalism and the Battle for Sovereignty (Chapt 3)
I. The Constitution
Interpret each of the following parts of the Constitution. Determine their meaning and impact on the balance between state and national power.
Elastic Clause (Article I, Section 8)
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.
Supremacy Clause (Article VI)
. . . This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the Supreme Law of the Land. . .
Tenth Amendment
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved for the states, or to the people.
II. Nullification
Read about and summarize the meaning of the doctrine of nullification and then read about the controversies surrounding nullification in US history. After reviewing the information outlining the meaning of nullification and its history answer the following:
What impact would the success of the doctrine of nullification have had upon the balance of power in the federal system?
III. Secession
Read about and summarize the meaning of secession and then read about the controversies surrounding secession early on in US history. After reviewing the information outlining the meaning of secession and its history answer the following:
What impact would the success of secession have had upon the balance of power in the federal system?
IV. Defining Federalism and Powers
Read the article (link below) that defines various types of government, perspectives on federalism, and powers. Be able to define terms such as unitary, confederate, and federal systems, dual & cooperative federalism, and powers such as reserved, delegated, inherent, and concurrent powers.
http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_fedr.html
Unitary:
Confederate:
Federal systems:
Dual & Cooperative Federalism:
Reserved powers:
Delegated powers:
Inherent powers:
Concurrent powers:
V. Early Grant Systems
Read the description of the use of the Morrill Land Grant to influence universities such as Penn State in the 1800s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vh5Bim3Enw
Identify the goal of the federal government, the role of the state government, and the benefits to each level of government and the university. How is it apparent that the national government can influence the states with the grant system?
VI. Federal Power: Shrinking or Growing?
Read the article on federalism and its trends within the past decade. Outline examples that reflect moves towards devolution, trends on various contemporary issues, and trends in federalism in terms of security & terrorism. Use these examples to help determine the recent balance in the federal system.