Chapter Study OutlineIntroduction Show
One great achievement of the American founding was the creation of an effective constitutional structure of political institutions. Two important aspects of the U.S. Constitution—federalism and the separation of powers—represent, in part, the framers’ efforts to divide governmental power. Federalism limits government by creating two sovereign powers—the national government and state governments—thereby restraining the influence of both. Separation of powers imposes internal limits by dividing government against itself, giving different branches separate functions and forcing them to share power.
How does the Constitution resolve conflicts between state and federal laws?Article VI, Paragraph 2 of the U.S. Constitution is commonly referred to as the Supremacy Clause. It establishes that the federal constitution, and federal law generally, take precedence over state laws, and even state constitutions.
How did the Constitution change the relationship between the states and national government?They wrote a new document called the Constitution, to replace the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution made a stronger Federal Government. It gave power to both the Federal Government and the state governments. This system is called federalism.
What does the Constitution say about the relationship between states?In the United States, the government operates under a principle called federalism. Two separate governments, federal and state, regulate citizens. The federal government has limited power over all fifty states. State governments have the power to regulate within their state boundaries.
What happens if there is a conflict between state and national law?When state law and federal law conflict, federal law displaces, or preempts, state law, due to the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. U.S. Const. art. VI., § 2.
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