I. Constitutional Basis

1. Constitution created a federal system = power is shared b/t different levels of govt.
2. Constitution specifies what the federal govt. MAY do and what states MAT NOT do
3. 10^th Amendment: reserves all powers not given to federal govt. to the states
4. Reserved powers

1. Law enforcement
2. Educational requirements & funding
3. Roads/bridges
4. Trade within state
5. Marriage & divorce laws
6. Organization of local govt.

1. Supremacy Clause – federal or state laws cannot conflict with Constitution; courts will decide if a conflict should arise

1. Article IV: states must have a "republican form of govt." (representative democracy)
2. State govts. are modeled after national govt.

1. 3 branches

1. Bill of Rights
2. Amending: 2 steps

1. proposal by state legislature
2. approval by voters