Due Date: Monday November 29, 2009!
Objective: Students will:
a. analyze the nature of the relationship between the Federal and State governments
b. explain how various government actions illustrate the system of Federalism in their daily lives.
Background information: The concept of Federalism is one that underlies all concepts about the power of government in the US system. Federalism within the United States system is the balancing of power between a Federal Government and State Governments. Within this system, the Federal Government is superior to the State Governments. For example, a state could not pass a law that directly contradicted a law passed on the federal level. Within these principles, power is divided among the federal (delegated powers) and state governments (reserved powers). Power is also shared between the federal and state governments (concurrent powers).
How does Federalism affect your daily life? For this assignment, you will carefully observe your school, your neighborhood…In short, the world around you. You will then express this idea in a written (and visual, if you choose) form.
What do I have to do?
1. For the next few days, carefully observe your surroundings. Using the list of powers that you were given in class, as well as in the Constitution (p. 158 of your TB), look for examples of these things in action around you. These examples can consist of almost anything; buildings, street signs, even people!
2. Using a notebook, or your reporter’s pad, make a list of these things. Record where and when you saw these things, and the example of the power you see in action. For added information (and extra points) take pictures of them. Here are some examples:
3. Your goal is to find AT LEAST two examples of each of the powers occurring in your daily lives. Remember, the powers are the:
4. After finding your examples, compose an essay that:
5) Your essay must be TYPED or neatly handwritten in ink. If you type your essay, it must be double spaced, and you must use 12 point font (Arial, or Times New Roman only).
6) For added visual impact, and extra credit (up to 20 points), you may attach photographs of your examples to a poster board along with your essay, similar to the “What America Means to Me” project. Please note that this is an optional step. You will not be penalized if you do not complete this step.
7) BE CREATIVE…WORK HARD…HAVE FUN!
8) Make sure that you include your name, and class period on your assignment.
a. analyze the nature of the relationship between the Federal and State governments
b. explain how various government actions illustrate the system of Federalism in their daily lives.
Background information: The concept of Federalism is one that underlies all concepts about the power of government in the US system. Federalism within the United States system is the balancing of power between a Federal Government and State Governments. Within this system, the Federal Government is superior to the State Governments. For example, a state could not pass a law that directly contradicted a law passed on the federal level. Within these principles, power is divided among the federal (delegated powers) and state governments (reserved powers). Power is also shared between the federal and state governments (concurrent powers).
How does Federalism affect your daily life? For this assignment, you will carefully observe your school, your neighborhood…In short, the world around you. You will then express this idea in a written (and visual, if you choose) form.
What do I have to do?
1. For the next few days, carefully observe your surroundings. Using the list of powers that you were given in class, as well as in the Constitution (p. 158 of your TB), look for examples of these things in action around you. These examples can consist of almost anything; buildings, street signs, even people!
2. Using a notebook, or your reporter’s pad, make a list of these things. Record where and when you saw these things, and the example of the power you see in action. For added information (and extra points) take pictures of them. Here are some examples:
- a. A Post Office, or a USPS mailbox. This would be an excellent example of a Delegated Power, because the Federal Government has the power to establish post offices and postal roads.
- b. A hairdresser. A hairdresser needs a license to cut hair in New York State. One of the RESERVED POWERS of the state government is to license professional workers.
3. Your goal is to find AT LEAST two examples of each of the powers occurring in your daily lives. Remember, the powers are the:
- a. Delegated: Federal Government
- b. Reserved: States
- c. Concurrent: Shared
4. After finding your examples, compose an essay that:
- a. Discusses how Federalism works (one paragraph)
- b. Identifies at least two examples of each power (one paragraph for each of the three powers). Your examples must identify where and when you saw them, as well as a brief description of the example.
- c. Has a strong introduction and conclusion. Therefore, your essay should be at least 6 paragraphs.
5) Your essay must be TYPED or neatly handwritten in ink. If you type your essay, it must be double spaced, and you must use 12 point font (Arial, or Times New Roman only).
6) For added visual impact, and extra credit (up to 20 points), you may attach photographs of your examples to a poster board along with your essay, similar to the “What America Means to Me” project. Please note that this is an optional step. You will not be penalized if you do not complete this step.
7) BE CREATIVE…WORK HARD…HAVE FUN!
8) Make sure that you include your name, and class period on your assignment.
