Local vs. state vs. federal power

The basics

• Federalism means power is divided between the national (federal) government and the states.
• The Constitution lists the federal government's powers. Examples: coining money, running post offices, declaring war, keeping an army and regulating trade between states.
• The 10th Amendment says powers not given to the federal government, and not denied to the states, belong to the states or the people.
• States handle things like driver's licenses, prisons and running elections. Cities, counties and school districts get their power from the state, and how much varies by state.
• Preemption means a higher level of government overrides a lower one. Federal law beats a conflicting state law, and a state can often override a conflicting local law.

Why it matters to you

Knowing which level is in charge helps you bring a problem to the right office, whether it's a local rule, an election or a driver's license.

Myth vs. fact

What you can do

• Make a list of who handles your roads, schools, trash and police: city, county, state or federal.
• Find your state's official website and see which agencies serve you.
• Next time you have a problem, check which level of government is responsible before you call.