Certain governmental authorities are simultaneously exercised by both the federal and state governments. These shared responsibilities encompass a range of actions, such as levying taxes, establishing courts, chartering banks, and enforcing laws. For example, both the national and state governments can impose income taxes on citizens. This duality allows for a more flexible and responsive governance structure.
The existence of these shared powers contributes to a balanced federal system. It enables states to address local issues while still participating in the broader national framework. Historically, the interpretation and application of these shared authorities have been subject to ongoing debate and legal challenges, shaping the evolving relationship between the federal and state entities and ensuring neither level of government becomes overly dominant.