Powers of the Government
Updated June 26, 2019 |
Infoplease Staff
Here is a breakdown of national and state government powers.
Source: The U.S. Government Printing Office
| National Government | State Government |
* Print money * Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade * Make treaties and conduct foreign policy * Declare war * Provide an army and navy * Establish post offices * Make laws necessary and proper to carry out the these powers | * Issue licenses * Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses * Conduct elections * Establish local governments * Ratify amendments to the Constitution * Take measures for public health and safety * May exert powers the Constitution does not delegate to the national government or prohibit the states from using |
In addition to their exclusive powers, both the national government and state governments share the power of being able to:
 |
- Collect taxes
- Build roads
- Borrow money
- Establish courts
- Make and enforce laws
- Charter banks and corporations
- Spend money for the general welfare
- Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation
| Senate Salaries since 1789 | U.S. Government | Powers Denied the Government |
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