The Preamble to the Constitution states that the people hold the power to the country. To divide between the central government and the states, the framers of the Constitution created a federal system of government. Only the federal government could declare war, coin money, make treaties with other countries, run the post office, and settle disputes between states. State governments could set up public schools, establish local governments, and run elections. Both had the right to collect taxes and pass laws.

To make sure that the three branches of government had equal power, the framers of the Constitution created a system of checks and balances to keep one branch from acting without the cooperation of another branch. For example, Congress can pass a law, but the President can veto that law.