Essential SOLs—State and Local Government

Federalism

Branch of Government	Local Government	Virginia Government	National Government
Legislative	Makes ordinances for community; approves annual budget; limits power to that delegated by the state	Makes laws for Virginia; approves biennial (two-year) budget; exercises power under the 10th amendment	Makes laws for nation; approves annual budget; approves presidential appointments
Executive	Elected or appointed by the Board of Supervisors or City Council; city or county managers hired by local legislatures	Executes laws of Virginia; prepares biennial budget for General Assembly; appoints cabinet officers and boards; administers state bureaucracy; grants pardons	Executes law of the land; prepares annual budget for congressional action; appoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judges; administers federal bureaucracy
Judicial	Local courts—Hear cases under the authority provided by state legislation	Supreme Court—Has power of judicial review over state laws Circuit courts—Try civil and criminal cases	Supreme Court—Has power of judicial review Federal courts—Try cases involving federal law and U.S. Constitutional questions

The Constitution of the United States of America establishes a federal form of government in which the national government is supreme.

The powers of the national government are either enumerated/expressed or implied in the Constitution of the United States of America.

The powers not given to the national government by the Constitution of the United States of America are reserved for the states.

The Constitution of the United States of America denies powers to both the national and state governments.

The powers of the local governments in Virginia are derived from the state.

Primary responsibilities of each level of government

· National—Conducts foreign policy, regulates commerce

· State—Promotes public health, safety, and welfare

The powers and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches at both the national and state levels are limited.