The Federal System

The governing system of the United States is divided into three levels: 

- National
- State
- Local

This is called a federal system. Sovereign power is split between the national and state level - which is a consequence of their each being ordained and established by the people within their relative jurisdiction. Among the powers of the states is the ability to create and incorporate local governments for the purpose of carrying out state laws, and to allow for local self government. 

Alternatives: 

- Unitary: a central government dominates
- Confederal: regional governments create weak central government to reconcile differences. 

The governing powers are outlined in relevant documents: 

- United States Constitution
- State Constitution
- Local Charters

Basic job descriptions of each level: 

- National
- - commercial development
- - internal and external security
- - enforcement of equal treatment before the law (14th Amendment)

- State
- - health
- - welfare
- - safety
- - morals

- Local
- - execution of state laws
- - provision of basic services
- - enforcement of public order and safety

This outlines the original division of powers on each level. 

In the section on the stages of federalism - click here for it - we will observe how these lines have blurred over time. 

Let's incorporate some terminology into all of this: 

- popular sovereignty
- national supremacy clause
- granted powers
- delegated powers
- implied powers
- prohibited powers
- reserved powers
- concurrent powers
- police powers
- multi purpose local governments
- municipalities
- counties
- single purpose governments
- independent school districts
- community college districts