Government Government Everywhere

Levels of GovernmentIn America we have three levels

of government: Federal, State, and Local

Each governing body is responsible for making and enforcing laws and regulations within its area of jurisdiction.

This makes sense because different areas of the country have different conditions, populations, and problems that need solved.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTMakes laws that apply to ALL

states, with no exceptions.The federal government can only

make laws on specific things that it is granted power to in the Constitution. (10th Amendment)

Examples: Airport Security, Drug Trafficking, Environmental Protection. Tax laws

STATE GOVERNMENTStates all have constitutional

powers to make and enforce laws, but these laws CANNOT override a Federal law.

These laws only apply to the state, and do not carry over to other states.

Examples: Gun carry laws, driving age, educational requirements, Tax laws

LOCAL GOVERNMENTLocal governments come in many

forms: County, City, Township, and Borough are examples.

They make local laws, and these laws cannot override Federal or State laws.

Examples: Noise ordinances, speed limits, burning regulations, Tax laws

Things to NoteFederal Law reigns SUPREME, this is

FEDERALISM, meaning that lower levels of government cannot pass laws that conflict with those above it.

All levels of government collect taxes to fund their operations, the money from this funds projects at these levels.

Different social, economic, and other conditions mean we need different levels of government to respond to local conditions.