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Federalism
Fifty states and one national government, each with its own laws, courts and elections.
The national government and 50 states. Each state has its own constitution, legislature, governor and courts.
All steps in text
- The national government and 50 states. Each state has its own constitution, legislature, governor and courts.
- Congress has the powers written in the Constitution: taxes, commerce between states, the military, currency, immigration. The 10th Amendment leaves the rest to the states and the people.
- When a valid federal law conflicts with a state law, the federal law wins.
- States run elections, schools, police, most criminal law and professional licensing. The federal government runs defense, Social Security, the border and interstate matters.
- Federal grants come with conditions. Highway and health funds are how Washington shapes what states do.