Federal government
The whole country
Think money and relations with other countries.
- Print money
- Declare war / create an army
- Make treaties / set foreign policy
All study guidesLearn the basics
Federal vs. state powers
Who does what: printing money is federal, driver's licenses are state. The 10th Amendment draws the line.
National jobs and everyday services
State governments
Closer to home
Think schools, safety, and driving.
- Schools and education
- Police and fire departments
- Driver’s licenses / zoning
A way to remember
State: S · S · D
SSchools
SSafety — police and fire
DDriving — licenses
These are state-power examples for the test. Some responsibilities are shared with federal or local governments. The 10th Amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.
Try to remember
Who has the power to print money?
A little more detail
Only the federal government can…
Print paper money, mint coins, declare war, create an army, make treaties, and set foreign policy. Big national jobs belong to Washington, D.C.
State-power examples
Provide schooling and education, run police and fire departments, give driver's licenses, and approve zoning and land use. These are state-power examples on the test. Many services involve local governments, and some responsibilities are shared.
The 10th Amendment
Powers not given to the federal government, and not forbidden to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.
Ready to practice?
This guide connects to 3 official questions.
Practice 10 questions