the federal system

info on national government (enumerated powers).

info on state government (reserved powers)

info on both (concurrent powers)

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/index.html

If you don't find what you need on that page, check out the information for other grade levels.

The federal system refers to the division of powers between a central or national government and multiple state governments. In the United States, for example, the federal system is established by the Constitution, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of both the national government and the state governments.

1. National Government (Enumerated Powers):
The powers of the national government are explicitly listed or "enumerated" in the Constitution. These powers include:
- Regulating interstate and foreign commerce
- Coining money and regulating its value
- Declaring war and maintaining a military
- Establishing post offices and roads
- Establishing federal courts and maintaining the judicial system
- Collecting taxes and providing for the general welfare
- Regulating immigration and naturalization
- Granting patents and copyrights

The national government is also granted implied powers through the "necessary and proper" clause, which allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

2. State Government (Reserved Powers):
The powers not delegated to the national government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people. These reserved powers are not explicitly listed but include powers such as:
- Regulating intrastate commerce
- Establishing and maintaining schools
- Conducting elections
- Maintaining law enforcement and public safety
- Regulating marriage and divorce laws
- Regulating local transportation systems
- Issuing licenses and permits

States have wide discretion in these matters as long as they do not contradict any federal laws. This principle is known as the reserved powers doctrine.

3. Both (Concurrent Powers):
There are also some powers that are shared by both the national government and the state governments. These concurrent powers include:
- Enforcing laws and maintaining courts
- Taxation
- Borrowing money
- Establishing and maintaining transportation systems
- Protecting public health and safety
- Regulating land use and zoning
- Ensuring the general welfare of the people

Although both levels of government can exercise these concurrent powers, conflicts or overlapping regulations might occur. In such cases, federal law often takes precedence due to the supremacy clause, which states that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

It's important to note that the division of powers between the national and state governments in the United States can vary in other federal systems around the world, as each country has its own unique constitutional framework.