Assignment #3

Pick two areas from each of the three sections in Chapter 4.  Write a paragraph on those areas and what you have learned in regards to each area.  You should have six total paragraphs.
                                                                   Section 1:
  Federalism Defined: Federalism is a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis between a central or national, government and State governments.  They have their own substantial set of powers. Each level operates through its own agencies and acts through its own officials and laws. The Constitution provides a division of powers between the National Government and the States. Local traditions, needs, and desires vary from one State to another, and federalism allows it. National defense, foreign affairs and domestic affairs resource of the National Government and the other States may be mobilized to aid that stricken area.   The division of powers between the National Government and the States can do anything they want.
The Exclusive and Concurrent Powers: Powers that the Constitution delegates to the National Government are exclusive powers. They can be exercised by the National Government alone. Some of the powers are denied to the States. Like to coin money, make treaties with foreign states and lay taxes on imports. The Concurrent powers are that both the National Government and the States possess and exercise. For example, like power to levy and collect taxes, define crimes and set punishments for them, and to take private property for public usage.  The powers make it possible for a federal system of government to function.       You need a specific power from the National Government to do what you want to achieve for the State. 
                                                                    Section 2:
Admitting New States: Only the Congress has the power to admit new States to the Union. The National Government's guarantee of respect for each of the State's territorial integrity, the Constitution places one restriction on that power. The congress has admitted 37 States since the original 13 from the Union. Texas was an independent republic before the admission and California was admitted shortly after. The other 30 States entered the Union after a longer period of time.
Cooperative Federalism: The American governmental system is much like a tug-a-war, it's a continuing power struggle between the National Government and the several States.The federal system also involves a broad area of shared powers.  The two seperate powers and held and excersised by the two basic levels of government, there are large and growing areas of cooperation between them. The areas  include the funds that the Federal Government grants to the States.

                                                                    Section 3:
Extradition:  It is the legal process by which a fugitive from justice in one State is returned to that State. It is designed to prevent a person from escaping justice by fleeing a State. Governors regulary approve the extradition requests when they recieve from other States' chief executives. Some of the requests are contested. More than a century, the Constitution's word shall in the Extradition Clause has to be read as "may."
Interstate Compacts: The States may, with the consent of the Congress, enter into interstate compacts. They are agreements among themselves and with foreign states. The number of interstate compacts has been growing since 1920. New York and New Jersey led the way with a compact creating the harbor facilities bordering both States. There are now more than 200 compacts. The 50 States have joined in two of them. These compacts enable States to share important law-enforement data. The others cover a widening range of subjects.  They can pretty much build cities only if they have the consent of the Congress.

Assignment #2

1.  What does Federalism mean by definition and what does Federalism mean to you?
     A system of government which has created, by written agreement, a central and national government to which it has distributed specified legislative (law-making) powers, and called the federal government, and regional governments (or sometimes called provinces or states) governments to which is distributed other, specified legislative powers.     It means to me that it is an agreement of  law making powers that go through the governments. We have to agree on the rules to have a good system.
2.  List and describe the three powers of the National Government.
     1. Delegated Powers of the National Government:  They can coin money, declare war and conduct forein relations and many more.
     2. Concurrent Powers: They can levy and collect taxes, borrow money, establish courts and many more.
     3. Reserved Powers of the States:  They can regulate trade and business within the State, establish public schools, conduct elections and many more.
3.  Explain the division of powers and why it is important?
        It's saying it assigns certain powers to the National Government and certain powers to the States. The power in order is to prevent abuse. You have to have a system of government laws.
4. What is the Supremacy Clause and what is its function?
        The Supremacy Clause joins the National Government and the States into a single governmental unit, a federal government. It holds together the complex structure that is the American federal system. It creates a lot of laws to the Costitution.
5. Find a site on the Internet that deals with Federalism.  Take 10 minutes and review that site.  Provide the link and provide some of the useful information that you found to help you better understand what Federalism is and how it works.
         thisnation.com /federalism.html 
     The Framers of the Constitution created a federal system with a national government strong enough to unify the states in their pursuit of common goals without completely robbing the states of their independence. They can make their own laws and powers.

Assignment 1

1.  What are your views on the latest political ads on TV?  What candidate(s) do you like or dislike and why?    It's crazy. Rand Paul, the Republican U.S  Senate candidate angrily accused Democratic rival  Jack Conway for running a TV ad that questioned Paul's affiliation  during his college years with a group that mocked Christianity. Paul demanded an apology during a national televised debate saying the commercial as false and calling himself a pro-life Christian. Conway offered no apology. They argued over health care, taxes and entitlements.Everyone just wants good in our country and make it right
2.  What role do you feel that you will play in politics and government in the future?  What ways are you participating currently?  In the future, I will take roll in the voting all my life. Right now, I am now 18 so I can legally vote.