← Civio

Guides / Federalism - Federal vs. State Powers Explained

Federalism - Federal vs. State Powers Explained

Updated: October 30, 2026

Federalism means power is shared between the national (federal) government and the state governments. The federal government handles things that affect the whole country, like printing money, declaring war, and making treaties. States handle things closer to daily life, like schools, police, and driver's licenses. The 10th Amendment says that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

Why the U.S. uses federalism

Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was too weak to function well. The founders did not want to swing to the other extreme and create an all-powerful central government either. The Constitution set up a middle path: a national government with specific, listed powers, and states that keep broad authority over everything else.

This is why the 2025 civics test accepts "constitution-based federal republic" as one answer to "What is the form of government of the United States?"

Powers only for the federal government

The 2025 test asks: "Name one power that is only for the federal government." Accepted answers:

These make sense together: a country needs one currency, one army, and one voice when dealing with other nations. Imagine 50 different currencies or 50 separate foreign policies. Immigration and naturalization are also federal, which is why your citizenship case is handled by USCIS, a federal agency, and not by your state.

Powers only for the states

The test also asks: "Name one power that is only for the states." Accepted answers:

Many of these are delivered through counties, cities, and school districts, which get their authority from the state. In everyday life, your state and local governments are often the ones you deal with most: your driver's license, your kids' school, the local police and fire departments.

Shared (concurrent) powers

Some powers belong to both levels. Examples:

These are not test answers, but understanding them prevents a common mistake: answering "collect taxes" when asked for a power that is only for the federal government or only for the states.

The 10th Amendment

The 10th Amendment is the last item in the Bill of Rights. It says powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.

What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment? Accepted answer: (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

When federal and state laws conflict

The Supremacy Clause in Article VI makes the Constitution and valid federal laws the supreme law of the land. If a state law directly conflicts with a valid federal law, the federal law generally wins. Courts decide these conflicts, which is part of the judicial branch's job (see the Supreme Court explained).

State governments mirror the federal structure

Each state has its own constitution and its own three branches:

The federal structure is covered in the three branches of government.

The state-specific questions

Because of federalism, part of the test depends on where you live:

Look these up shortly before your interview, since governors and members of Congress change after elections. Check your state's official government website (usually ending in .gov) for the governor, and see find your senators and representative for Congress. More tips are in civics questions with changing answers.

A common error is confusing your state capital with the largest city. For example, the capital of New York is Albany, not New York City; the capital of California is Sacramento, not Los Angeles; the capital of Texas is Austin, not Houston; and the capital of Florida is Tallahassee, not Miami.

Civio's Exam Mode includes three questions about your own state in each 20-question session, so these answers get regular practice.

Federalism questions at a glance

Review them with the rest of the civics questions.

Frequently asked questions

What is federalism?

Federalism is the system in which power is shared between the federal government and the state governments. The Constitution gives the federal government specific powers and leaves the rest to the states or the people.

What is one power of the federal government?

Printing paper money, minting coins, declaring war, creating an army, making treaties, and setting foreign policy are all accepted answers.

What is one power of the states?

Providing schooling and education, providing police protection, providing fire departments, giving driver's licenses, and approving zoning and land use.

What does the 10th Amendment say?

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

What should I answer if I live in Washington, D.C.?

For the governor question, say that D.C. does not have a governor. For the state capital question, say that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital.

Prepare for the civics test with Civio: every official question from the 2025 USCIS civics test, Exam Mode with your state's questions, and spaced repetition.

Download on the App Store

Informational article, not legal advice. Civio is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; always check current requirements at uscis.gov.

Keep reading: Filing Form N-400 Online or by Mail: Which Is Better? · How to Find Your Senators and Representative for the Civics Test · The Founding Fathers on the 2025 Civics Test · Example civics test questions