New York State Test Prep Social Studies 5 (Grade 4) Local and State Government

Powers of Government	National Government	State Government
Print money	X
Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade	X
Collect taxes	X	X
Conduct elections		X
Make and enforce laws	X	X
Establish courts	X	X
Make treaties and conduct foreign policy	X
Provide an army and navy	X
Take measures for public health and safety		X
Charter banks and corporations	X	X
Issue licenses		X
Declare War	X
Ratify amendments to the State Constitution		X
Borrow money	X	X
Establish local governments		X
Establish post offices	X
Build roads	X	X
Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses		X
Make laws necessary and proper to carry out these powers	X
Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation	X	X
Spend money for the general welfare	X	X

This Comparison Matrix compares the powers of the national government to the powers of state government. Some powers are shared by both governments.

Directions: Base your answers to the questions below on the graphic organizer above and your knowledge of social studies.

1. Which government has the power to establish post offices? __________________

2. Would New York State be able to print its own money as long as it was spent for the general welfare of the citizens of New York State? Why or why not?

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3. Think about the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001. Do you think New York State, or any other state in a time of crisis, should be allowed to declare war or establish its own army or navy? Explain your answer.

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