The Federal System

The United States is organized as a federal system. This means that the power to govern is divided between the national (federal) government, located in Washington, D.C., and the state governments. Laws passed by Congress (federal laws) must be authorized by the U.S. Constitution. That is what is meant by the statement that the United States government gets all its powers from the Constitution. All matters over which the federal government does not have power can be regulated only by the individual states (such as ownership of property, divorce, and education).

The original purpose of a national central government was to perform those tasks that could not be performed efficiently by each state individually. For example, dealing with foreign nations, establishing a monetary system, and regulating commerce be­tween states could be done better by a single national authority. Other governmental responsibilities, such as public school systems, local roads, and police and fire protec­tion, were left to the states and their subdivisions.

While the federal government's power is limited by the Constitution, the individual states are given the power to pass any law that is not prohibited by the Constitution. In those areas where both the states and the federal government have the power to pass laws, state laws cannot conflict with those passed by the federal government.

Most state governments are quite similar in structure to the national government. Each is headed by an elected executive called a governor. The legislative branch may be called a state legislature or general assembly, or have some other name, but it generally functions much as Congress does. Most of the state legislatures also have two houses. The state court systems generally follow the three-level federal court plan, which provides for a trial court, an appellate (appeals) court, and a supreme court.

States are divided into smaller governmental units, such as counties, cities, towns, and villages. These units can pass laws that are authorized by the state in which they are located, and they are responsible for making and enforcing these laws within their boundaries.

The U.S.A. and its Constitution have withstood many crises and criticisms. Since the Constitution was written, this nation has changed from a rural and agricultural society to a highly industrialized, urban society. The population has grown from less than 4 mil­lion to about 275 million. Still, the "chart" that Daniel Webster mentioned continues to keep the nation securely on course. The American experiment in democracy has proved conclusively that government "of the people, by the people, for the people" can function effectively for the good of its citizens.

After you read

1. Getting the message

A. On each blank line, write the letter of the phrase that correctly completes each sentence.

1. The Bill of Rights is _______ .

a. part of the U.S. Constitution

b. a separate document

2. In this reading, the word cabinet refers to _______ .

1. a piece of furniture

b. a group of people who advise the president

3. Amendments to the U.S. Constitution _____ .

1. were part of the original document

2. must be approved by the states

4. The members of the Senate are _____ .

1. elected for a 6-year term

b. appointed for life

5. A state legislative body _____ pass a law that violates the U.S. Constitution.

1. can

2. cannot

B. Who is elected? Who is appointed? Discuss the meaning of these words? Then, put a check (  ) in the correct column for each job listed.

Government employees	Elected	Appointed
1. the president
2. the cabinet
3. the vice president
4. senators
5. state governors
6. federal judges