Conflicts over the respective roles of national and state governments have been around since America’s beginning. The Civil War was fought over questions of states’ rights: Can a state create a law that allows for slavery? Does a state have the right to secede from the Union?

Using the Supreme Court decision McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and other sources, analyze the sharing of powers within the federal government. In your report, place your emphasis on defining and explaining the following:

federalism

expressed powers

implied powers

inherent powers

concurrent powers

How do the different branches of our government use these powers to pass laws and establish regulations? Are these powers abused or used properly by our government officials? Why or why not?

Also include in your essay a section on the sovereignty of tribal governments, such as the Native Americans of New Mexico and Arizona. Can the federal government intervene in the affairs of Native Americans on reservations? If so, when and to what extent?

Research America’s open door policy with China beginning in 1899. Explain how relations with the United States and China have changed and the effects of the open door policy on both countries.