How does the constitution divide power between the national government and the states? The constitution did not give the national government or the states total supremacy. Instead, power was distributed. The national government was given certain express powers, while some powers were reserved to the states. The main idea was to give both the national government and the states certain responsibilities and the powers needed to achieve them. In order to achieve this some powers are shared by both. Powers of the National Government The constitution gives the national government many specific powers and responsibilities. They have the power to:1. Coin money and currency2. Conduct foreign relations3. Make treaties4. Regulate foreign and interstate commerce5. Provide and army and navy6. Declare War7. Establish Post Offices8. Protect Patent and copyrights9. Regulate weights and measures10. Admit new states11. Make laws necessary and proper to carrying out specifically delegated powersPowers that are reserved to the States The States have many powers that are specific to them. They include:1. Establish local governments2. Regulate trade within states3. Conduct elections4. Ratifying amendments to the constitution5. Exercising any powers not granted exclusively to the national government or denied by the states.Concurrent powers Both the national government and the states share some powers. This was necessary in order for both to achieve their responsibilities. These are:1. Taxing2. Borrowing money3. Establishing courts4. Chartering banks5. Spending for the general welfare ...
