The Structure of the United States Government

Some responsibilities belong only to the federal government or only to state governments. Exclusive powers are those that belong to either state or federal government. Concurrent powers, also called shared powers, are shared by the state and federal governments. An exclusive federal power is creating U.S. currency. An exclusive state power is conducting local elections. A concurrent power is the power to tax citizens.

In a federal republic, citizens have multiple layers of government. Each citizen must follow town, city, state, and national laws. Most Americans interact with state and local government more than with federal government. The Framers of the constitution imagined the state governments doing most of the work of governing, with federal government officials intervening only when necessary. Early in the nation’s history, the distribution of powers between the U.S. federal government and the states was less complicated than it is now.

At times, state governments need help from the federal government. During national crises, the federal government provides aid to states. This help comes with a promise from the state to follow certain federal regulations. The federal government has tax money to give out to states, but only if the states agree to spend the money in a way the federal government approves.

Each state has its own constitution. State governments are split into three branches because they are modeled after the federal government. The executive branch is headed by the governor. The legislative branch is made up of elected officials who manage the state budget and create state laws. The judicial system hears all of the court cases that do not require a federal court. Each state’s judicial system makes and interprets its own state laws. This is why laws can vary from state to state.

The following are some of the exclusive responsibilities of states:

• Licensing drivers
• Educating state citizens
• Providing aid benefits such as welfare
• Establishing local governments

• Licensing drivers
• Educating state citizens
• Providing aid benefits such as welfare
• Establishing local governments
• Conducting local and state elections
• Building and maintaining roads and other local infrastructure
• Amending the state constitution

Powers shared between federal and state governments include the following:

• Making laws
• Enforcing laws
• Taxing citizens
• Establishing courts

The following are some exclusive powers of the federal government:

• Declaring war
• Creating money
• Maintaining the U.S. Postal System
• Dealing with foreign entities
• Establishing naturalization rules