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The American System of Government

The American System of Government. Focus Question:. How do these items symbolize the U.S. government?. The U.S. Government System. Built on a number of principles Designed to protect natural rights But how to insure the government does not become too powerful?. Division of Powers.

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The American System of Government

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  1. The American System of Government

  2. Focus Question: • How do these items symbolize the U.S. government?

  3. The U.S. Government System • Built on a number of principles • Designed to protect natural rights • But how to insure the government does not become too powerful?

  4. Division of Powers • Government Power is divided within the FEDERAL System • Power is divided between the states and national government • Enumerated Powers • Reserved Powers • Concurrent Powers • Form a system to check each level of government

  5. Enumerated Powers • Powers directly given (delegated) to the National Government • Focus on issues facing the nation • Include the “Supremacy Clause” • Include various “Implied Powers”

  6. Enumerated Powers include • Coin Money • Operate Post Offices • Regulate Interstate Trade • Conduct Foreign Relations • Declare War and Make Peace • Maintain the military • Grant Patents • Immigration Laws • And More!

  7. Reserved Powers • Powers held only by the states • Focus on local issues • Allow states to become “Laboratories of Democracy” • Reflect a fear of the central government

  8. Reserved Powers Include!: • Conduct Elections • Family Law • Education • Provide for local government • Regulate Commerce • And more!!!

  9. Concurrent Powers • Powers shared by both • Powers needed to operate a government • Keep the system running

  10. Concurrent Powers Include • Operate Courts • Levy Taxes • Borrow Money • Pay Bills • Build Roads • Provide for Public Safety • And More!!

  11. Divided Government • By dividing governmental powers, a system of checks and balances protects our liberty • Prevents one level of the federal system from gaining too much power • The ultimate check is the people (Popular Sovereignty)

  12. Summary • In a short, two to three sentence response, describe what you learned in class today.

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