Which of the following is a shared power between state and federal governments?

Which of the following is a shared power between state and federal governments?

• A. Printing money
• B. Raising taxes
• C. Declaring war
• D. Negotiating treaties

Answer: (B)

Raising taxes is an example of a concurrent power—the kind of authority that both state and federal governments share. In our federal system, each level can levy and collect taxes to fund public services, so states can address local needs while the national government handles broader, nationwide responsibilities. The Constitution allows this shared revenue-raising, and while federal tax laws generally take precedence in conflicts, both levels still have their own tax systems. By contrast, printing money, declaring war, and negotiating treaties are powers primarily held by the national government and are not shared with states.

Raising taxes is an example of a concurrent power—the kind of authority that both state and federal governments share. In our federal system, each level can levy and collect taxes to fund public services, so states can address local needs while the national government handles broader, nationwide responsibilities. The Constitution allows this shared revenue-raising, and while federal tax laws generally take precedence in conflicts, both levels still have their own tax systems. By contrast, printing money, declaring war, and negotiating treaties are powers primarily held by the national government and are not shared with states.