Listed here are passages from the U.S. Constitution that state particular powers of the federal government. The numbered statements below identify weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.
Match each power with the weakness that it was intended to correct. Write the letter of your answer in the blank. One passage will not be used.
A. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. (Article I, Section I)
B. Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate (by a simple majority vote) shall before it becomes a law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approves he shall sign it... (Article I, Section 7, b)
C. The Congress shall have power...to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises...to pay the debts...of the United States... (Article I, Section 8, a)
D. The Congress shall have power...to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states... (Article I, Section 8, c)
E. The Congress shall have power...to coin money, [and] regulate the value thereof...(Article I, Section 8, e)
F. The Congress shall have power...to raise and support armies... (Article I, Section 8,l)
G. The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United Sates of America. (Article II, Section 1, a)
H. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. (Article III, Section 1)
______ 1. There was no chief executive to head the government.
______ 2. There was no national court system.
______ 3. The national legislature had no power to collect taxes.
______ 4. The national legislature had no power to regulate trade.
______ 5. The national legislature had no power to raise a national military force.
______ 6. The national legislature had no power to control the issuing of money by the states.
______ 7. The approval of nine out of thirteen states was required to pass a law.
Federalism Worksheet
This chart lists powers of the federal government and of the state governments, as well as some powers shared by both. The numbered items below describe a variety of activities.
Match each activity to the appropriate governmental power. Write F in the blank if the activity relates to a power of the federal government.
Write S in the blank if the activity relates to a power of the state governments. Write B if the activity comes under the authority of both kinds of government.
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Distribution of Governmental Powers
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Federal Government
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State Governments
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Both kinds of government
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Regulates interstate and foreign commerce
Coins and prints money
Sets weights and measures
Runs the postal system
Establishes and maintains the armed forces
Regulates copyrights and patents
Makes naturalization laws
Declares war and makes peace
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Regulate voting law and procedures
Establish and maintain public education
License professional workers
Make laws governing corporations
Regulate commerce within the state
Make marriage and divorce laws
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Collect taxes
Borrow money
Establish courts
Enforce laws and punish lawbreakers
Charter banks
Provide programs for health and welfare
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______ 1. Your sister has been studying accounting. She will soon take an exam to qualify for certification as a public accountant.
______ 2. Two of your neighbors are planning to start a company that will offer automobile- repair services.
______ 3. One of your brothers is enlisting in the Navy and the other brother has already joined the Marines.
______ 4. A flu epidemic is expected to sweep the country. According to the newspaper, measures are being taken to combat it.
______ 5. You are mailing a large package to your cousin who is attending school in another part of the state.
______ 6. Your doctor came to this country from India. She wants to stay in the United States and is now attempting to become a citizen.
______7. Now that it's April, many people in your neighborhood are beginning to prepare their income tax forms.
______8. Your aunt is about to be married. She and her fiancé need to get a marriage license before the wedding.