Congress for Kids: [Constitution]: Powers of the Federal Government

Constitution

Introduction Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Signing the Constitution Ratifying the Constitution Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

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How is power distributed in the federal government?

Some people are afraid the government in Washington is getting too powerful for the good of the country and the individual person. Others feel that the government in Washington is not getting too strong. Have you been interested enough in this to favor one side over the other?

The power of the federal government to coin money is an example of what kind of power?

Evolution of Federalism

Powers of the Federal Government

Once ratified, the Constitution set the basis for the government we have today. Powers are divided between the federal (or national) government and the 50 states. The Founding Fathers knew they had to leave enough powers with the states when they were writing the Constitution. If they didn't, they knew the state legislatures would never ratify the Constitution. All states were granted the right to control certain things within their borders. They could do so as long as they did not interfere with the rights of other states or the nation.

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In addition to their exclusive powers, both the national government and state governments share the power of being able to: collect taxes, build roads, borrow money, establish courts, make and enforce laws, charter banks and corporations, spend money for the general welfare, and take private property for public purposes, with just compensation.

Projects You Can Do

Look at the following headlines. Decide if the power being exercised is legislative, executive, or judicial.

1. Health Minister Allan Rock suggests a national pharmacare policy.
2. Teacher found not guilty of attacking a colleague by reason of insanity.
3. Police arrest teenagers found drinking at bush party.
4. Queen’s Park votes to raise the drinking age to 21.
5. Supreme Court asked to look at the agreement between Quebec and
Newfoundland on hydropower.
6. House of Commons votes to reintroduce capital punishment.
7. Paul Martin proposes to use budget surplus for tax rebate.
8. Air Canada privatized by cabinet decree.

Find three articles from a
recent newspaper or magazine, and cut out one example of each legislative, executive, and judicial power (it can be at any level of government).

Paste the articles on a clean sheet of paper and label clearly which specific power of
government is illustrated in the article.

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