Question

Each State Retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power and right... not expressly granted to the United States in Congress Assembled.
Which conclusion can be drawn from this excerpt?

A. The Articles of Confederation gave Congress the power to tax the state.

B. The Articles of Confederation kept the states totally independent of Congress.
C. The Articles of Confederation left most governing power with the state governments.
D. The Articles of Confederation gave most governing power to the National Government.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct response is Option C. The Articles of Confederation left most governing power with the state governments.

Explanation:

The American government system is a federation of states and so each state has the individual power to govern over many issues within its own boundaries and there are only a few powers that are technically ceded to the federal or national government although it is a little more complicated in practice. There are really three types of delegated powers that are granted to the central government: enumerated powers, implied powers, and inherent powers. Enumerated powers or expressed powers are those that are outlined directly by the Constitution. Examples of this kind of power granted to the federal government are the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to establish the laws for naturalization. An implied power is how the government created the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using their granted power to collect taxes.

The inherent powers are more complicated still being eminent domain, police, and taxation. However, these decisions can be controversial and contested. For example, claims of inherent power were used in many decisions after 9/11 like "extraordinary rendition," where President Bush claimed he had the authority to seize individuals and send them to Guantanomo and other areas of US control outside the United States for interrogation and torture.