The Powers of National and State Government

 

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Overview

This lesson examines the different jurisdictions and roles of national and state governments. Students will analyze how actions of the national and state governments affect their daily lives.

 

Grade Levels

9–12

 

Objectives

Students will:

• define the term federalism;
• identify the powers granted to the national government;
• identify the powers granted to state governments; and
• identify powers shared by the national and state governments.

Estimated Time

2 days

 

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: An Ordinary Day
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• One copy of the U.S. Constitution per student

Procedure

Day 1

1. Remind students that after the Revolutionary War the states basically governed themselves. The people eventually discovered that this form of government, which differed from region to region, would make it very difficult to stay unified. The Constitution was soon drafted to provide a single governing document over all and to help the concept of one nation survive. Many delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 wanted state governments to keep most of their powers; other delegates argued that only a strong national government could handle the problems facing our country. The framers of the Constitution decided to establish a government based on federalism. In this system, power is shared between the national and state governments.
2. Divide the class into three groups. Ask each group to complete the An Ordinary Day E-Learning module. The first group should list all of the policies in the module that involve the national government. The second group should list all the policies in the module that involve state governments. The third group should list policies that involve both national and state governments.
3. Once students have completed the module, ask students to explain what they think are the roles of the national and state governments.

Day 2

1. Have students get into their assigned groups; then distribute copies of the Constitution. Ask the first group to read the Constitution and list the powers of the national government. Ask the second group to read the Constitution and list the powers that mention state governments in any way. This group should also carefully analyze the 10 th Amendment in the Bill of Rights and explain the extensive powers it grants to the state governments. They should also closely look at section 10 of Article 1, which places specific restrictions on state powers. Ask the third group to conduct research to find out what powers are shared between the national government and the state governments.
2. Allow groups to share their findings with the class.
3. Assign the following homework assignments to students:
   • Ask students in the first group to write a paper that explains the powers of the national government and describes how the national government affects their daily lives.
   • Ask students in the second group to write a paper that explains the powers denied and granted to state governments and how state government affects their daily lives.
   • Ask students in the third group to write a paper that describes the powers that are shared between the national government and state governments and explains how governments affect their daily lives.

Extension Activity

Invite a Senator or Representative from your congressional district and a state legislator to come to the class. Ask them to discuss the powers of the federal and state governments. If they are unable to attend, you might also look into inviting a former Member of Congress to visit. Contact the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress to see whether or not a retired Member lives in your area. Visit this Web site: http://ww

w.usafmc.org.

Assessment

Basic Concepts and Processes

Ask your students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.

1. Define the term federalism.
2. Identify the powers granted to the national government.
3. Identify the powers granted to state governments.
4. Identify powers shared by the national and state governments.

Scoring Guide for Paper

Elements	Possible Score	Assigned Score	Notes
Correct spelling and grammar	10
Good beginning, middle, and end	10
Explains the powers of the national and/or state governments	40
Describes how the government affects their life	40

 

Lesson Plan Feedback

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