Question

some opponents of the constitution worried that requiring the federal government to share power with state governments did not go far enough in limiting its power. the writers of the federalist papers address this concern by describing the powers of federal and state governments. read the passages. then answer the question below.

federalist no. 39
the federal governments power extends to certain enumerated objects only, and leaves to the several states a residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects.
enumerated: listed
residuary and inviolable sovereignty: remaining and unbreakable power

federalist no. 45
the powers delegated by the proposed constitution to the federal government are few and defined. those which are to remain in the state governments are numerous and indefinite.

based on the passages, what are the constitutional powers of the two levels of government? select all that apply.
the federal government has unlimited and undefined powers.
state governments can overrule some federal laws.
the federal government only has certain listed powers.
state governments have broad powers over matters in their states.

Explanation:

1. The first option is incorrect: Federalist No. 45 explicitly states federal powers are "few and defined", not unlimited/undefined.
2. The second option is incorrect: Neither passage mentions states overriding federal laws (this is not supported by the provided text).
3. The third option is correct: Federalist No. 39 says federal power extends to "certain enumerated objects only" (enumerated = listed), and No. 45 calls them "few and defined".
4. The fourth option is correct: Federalist No. 39 states states have "residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects", and No. 45 notes their powers are "numerous and indefinite", meaning broad powers over state matters.

Answer:

• The federal government only has certain listed powers.
• State governments have broad powers over matters in their states.