Deck 2: American Federalism

Question 1

________ is defined as a way to improve government performance by encouraging state and local governments to contend against each other for residents, businesses, investment, and national funding.

A)Dual federalism
B)Cooperative federalism
C)Competitive federalism
D)Permissive federalism
E)Coercive federalism

Answer 1

C

Question 2

If the constitution of a country vests all governmental power in the central government, then it is most likely to follow a(n) ________ system of governance.

A)unitary
B)federal
C)technocratic
D)anarchic
E)republican

Answer 2

A

Question 3

________ are powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions.

A)Implied powers
B)Delegated powers
C)Inherent powers
D)Concurrent powers
E)Reserve powers

Answer 3

A

Question 4

The ________ clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) sets forth the implied powers of Congress.

A)necessary and proper
B)supremacy
C)commerce
D)full faith and credit
E)extradition

Question 5

________ is defined as a strong national government that only allows the states to act when it decides to do so.

A)Dual federalism
B)Cooperative federalism
C)Competitive federalism
D)Permissive federalism
E)Coercive federalism

Question 6

Which of the following statements about American federalism is true?

A)Constitutionally, the federal system of the United States consists of only the national government and the 50 states.
B)Dual federalism is also known as "marble-cake" federalism.
C)New federalism is defined as a strong national government that only allows the states to act when it decides to do so.
D)Permissive federalism is sometimes characterized as part of the devolution revolution.
E)Federalism is a constitutional arrangement that concentrates power in a central government.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the constitutional framework of the U.S.federal system is true?

A)Apart from the powers delegated to it by the Constitution, the national government has numerous inherent powers.
B)Within the scope of its operations, the state government is supreme.
C)The state governments have all of the powers delegated to the central government.
D)Some powers are specifically denied to both the national and state governments.
E)The constitutional framework of the U.S federal system is extremely complicated and ambiguous.

Question 8

In foreign affairs, the national government has ________ powers.The national government has the same authority to deal with other nations as if it were the central government in a unitary system.

A)implied
B)delegated
C)inherent
D)reserve
E)concurrent

Question 9

________ refers to a constitutional arrangement in which sovereign nations or states, through a constitutional compact, create a central government but carefully limit its power and do not give it direct authority over individuals.

A)Extradition
B)Privatization
C)Confederation
D)National supremacy
E)Federalism

Question 10

________, which was dominant from the 1930s through the 1970s, is defined as a flexible relationship between the national and state governments in which both work together on a variety of issues and programs.

A)Dual federalism
B)Cooperative federalism
C)Competitive federalism
D)Permissive federalism
E)Coercive federalism

Question 11

________ is defined as a strong national government that exerts tight control of the states through orders or mandates-typically without accompanying financial resources.

A)Dual federalism
B)Cooperative federalism
C)Competitive federalism
D)Permissive federalism
E)Coercive federalism

Question 12

A constitutional arrangement in which power is distributed between a central government and states is known as ________.

A)unitary system
B)federalism
C)confederation
D)bureaucracy
E)socialism

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true about the advantages of federalism?

A)The division of power makes it easy for voters to hold elected officials accountable.
B)Dividing power between the center and the states makes it far easier for the government to respond quickly to national problems.
C)By emphasizing uniformity, federalism helps boost cohesiveness in the society.
D)Variation in policies reduces redundancies, inefficiencies, and inequalities.
E)Federalism provides training and creates opportunities for future national leaders.

Question 14

________ is defined as a strict separation of powers between the national and state governments in which each layer has its own responsibilities, and reigns supreme within its constitutional realm.

A)Dual federalism
B)Cooperative federalism
C)Competitive federalism
D)Permissive federalism
E)Coercive federalism

Question 15

A constitutional arrangement that concentrates power in a central government is known as a(n) ________ system.

A)federal
B)bureaucratic
C)competitive
D)unitary
E)anarchic

Question 16

Coercive federalism is sometimes called ________ federalism, which focuses on the national government's strong voice in shaping what states do.

A)dual
B)centralized
C)competitive
D)permissive
E)cooperative

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true about the disadvantages of federalism?

A)Federalism does not protect citizens from tyranny.
B)Federalism limits opportunities for future national leaders.
C)Federalism discourages experimentation.
D)Federalism promotes variation in policies that creates inefficiencies and inequalities.
E)Federalism widens the gap between the government and the people.

Question 18

________ is defined as a recent effort to reduce the national government's power by returning, or devolving responsibilities to the states.It is sometimes characterized as part of the devolution revolution.

A)Dual federalism
B)Cooperative federalism
C)New federalism
D)Permissive federalism
E)Coercive federalism

Question 19

Powers given explicitly to the national government and listed in the Constitution are known as ________.

A)implied powers
B)delegated powers
C)inherent powers
D)reserve powers
E)concurrent powers

Question 20

A ________ divides governmental powers between the national government and state governments, giving clearly defined functions to each.

A)unitary system
B)local ordinance
C)confederation
D)legislature
E)constitution

Question 21

Preemption is best described as ________.

A)the right of a national law or regulation to preclude enforcement of a state or local law or regulation
B)an agreement among two or more states that must be approved by Congress
C)the legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one state to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed
D)a requirement the national government imposes as a condition for receiving federal funds
E)a strict separation of powers between the national and state governments in which each layer has its own responsibilities, and reigns supreme within its constitutional realm

Question 22

Interstate compact refers to ________.

A)an agreement among two or more states
B)the legal process related to extradition
C)an agreement between a state and a foreign government
D)the constitutional right of a state to oversee elementary education
E)the power implicitly reserved for a state.

Question 23

Which of the following is true with regard to the supremacy clause?

A)It refers to the clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations
B)Contained in Article VI of the Constitution, the clause gives national laws the absolute power even when states have enacted a competing law.
C)Contained in Article I of the Constitution, the clause sets forth the implied powers of Congress.
D)It refers to the clause that states that Congress has the right to make all laws essential to carry out all powers the Constitution vests in the national government.
E)Contained in Article IV of the Constitution, the clause requires each state to recognize the civil judgments rendered by the courts of the other states and to accept their public records and acts as valid.

Question 24

In ________, the Court held that states were not required to conduct instant national background checks prior to selling a handgun.

A)McCulloch v.Maryland
B)United States v.Morrison
C)Printz v.United States
D)Gibbons v.Ogden
E)Baxter v.Montana

Question 25

All powers not specifically delegated to the national government by the Constitution are known as ________ powers.These powers can be found in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.

A)implied
B)delegated
C)inherent
D)reserve
E)concurrent

Question 26

The legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one state to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed is called ________.

A)preemption
B)malapportionment
C)pro bono
D)gerrymandering
E)extradition

Question 27

________ occurs when a national law or regulation takes precedence over a state or local law or regulation.

A)Extradition
B)Failure of the constitutional machinery
C)Interstate compact
D)Preemption
E)Confederation

Question 28

Congress frequently requires states to provide specific programs-for example, services to indigent mothers, and clean air and water.These requirements are called ________.

A)codicils
B)term limits
C)federal mandates
D)project grants
E)injunctions

Question 29

In ________ (1819), the Supreme Court had the first of many chances to define the division of power between the national and state governments.

A)Reynolds v.Sims
B)McCulloch v.Maryland
C)Wesberry v.Sanders
D)Gibbons v.Ogden
E)Thornburg v.Gingles

Question 30

________ refers to the requirement the national government imposes as a condition for receiving federal funds.

A)Federal mandate
B)Pro bono
C)Federal grant
D)Term limit
E)Federal bond

Question 31

Which of the following exemplifies concurrent power?

A)the power to coin money
B)the power to impose and collect taxes
C)the power to oversee elementary education
D)the power to regulate interstate commerce
E)the power to wage war

Question 32

The reserve power can be found in the ________ to the Constitution.

A)Fifth Amendment
B)Tenth Amendment
C)Seventh Amendment
D)Fourth Amendment
E)Eleventh Amendment

Question 33

Which of the following is true with regard to the full faith and credit clause?

A)It refers to the clause in the Constitution that sets forth the implied powers of Congress.
B)It refers to the clause in the Constitution that states that Congress has the right to make all laws essential to carry out all powers the Constitution vests in the national government.
C)It refers to the clause in the Constitution requiring each state to recognize the civil judgments rendered by the courts of the other states and to accept their acts as valid.
D)It refers to the clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.
E)It refers to the clause contained in Article VI of the Constitution that gives national laws the absolute power even when states have enacted a competing law.

Question 34

Only the states have the powers to create schools and local governments.These powers exemplify ________.

A)concurrent powers
B)reserve powers
C)implied powers
D)inherent powers
E)powers to maintain national security

Question 35

The constitutional basis for the implied powers of Congress is the ________ clause.

A)extradition
B)supremacy
C)commerce
D)full faith and credit
E)necessary and proper

Question 36

Concurrent powers refer to ________.

A)powers not specifically delegated to the national government by the Constitution
B)powers given exclusively to the national government and listed in the Constitution
C)powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions
D)powers that the Constitution gives to both the national and state governments
E)powers that the Constitution exclusively gives to the national government for the protection of national security

Question 37

Which of the following is true with regard to the commerce clause?

A)Contained in Article I of the Constitution, the clause sets forth the implied powers of Congress.
B)It refers to the clause that states that Congress has the right to make all laws essential to carry out all powers the Constitution vests in the national government.
C)It refers to the clause in the Constitution that requires each state to recognize the civil judgments rendered by the courts of the other states and to accept their public records and acts as valid.
D)It refers to the clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.
E)Contained in Article VI of the Constitution, the clause gives national laws the absolute power even when states have enacted a competing law.

Question 38

National supremacy refers to ________.

A)the legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one state to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed
B)a constitutional doctrine that whenever conflict occurs between the constitutionally authorized actions of the national government and those of a state or local government, the actions of the national government prevail
C)a strict separation of powers between the national and state governments in which each layer has its own responsibilities, and reigns supreme within its constitutional realm
D)the powers of the national government in foreign affairs that, according to the Supreme Court, do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the national government's obligation to protect the nation from domestic and foreign threats
E)a constitutional arrangement in which sovereign nations or states, by compact, create a central government but carefully limit its power and do not give it direct authority over individuals

Question 39

The landmark ruling of ________ in 1824, affirmed the broad authority of Congress over interstate commerce.

A)McCulloch v.Maryland
B)Wesberry v.Sanders
C)Thornburg v.Gingles
D)Gibbons v.Ogden
E)Reynolds v.Sims

Question 40

Which of the following statements is true about the constitutional limits and obligations?

A)The Constitution prohibits state governments to oversee primary and elementary education.
B)The Constitution authorizes states to keep troops or ships of war in time of peace.
C)The Constitution mandates state governments to levy taxes on imports.
D)The Constitution authorizes state governments to make treaties with foreign governments.
E)The Constitution prohibits state governments to engage in war and tax foreign ships.

Question 41

Which of the following is true of the centralist position?

A)The centralist position has been consistently criticized by presidents, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
B)Centralists champion the idea of the Constitution as an interstate compact.
C)Centralists believe that the national government should not interfere with activities reserved for the states.
D)Centralists argue that the national government is a government of all the people, whereas each state speaks for only some of the people.
E)Centralists have been particularly supportive of the devolution revolution, which argues for returning responsibilities to the states.

Question 42

________ is both a categorical and formula grant.

A)National research grants from the National Science Foundation
B)The National School Lunch Program
C)The Community Development Block Grant program
D)The Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program
E)National research grants from the National Institutes of Health

Question 43

People who favor state or local action rather than national action are known as ________.

A)decentralists
B)recidivists
C)lobbyists
D)trustees
E)delegates

Question 44

Which of the following statements about the growth of national government is true?

A)Throughout the past two centuries, power has accrued to the national government.
B)The national government cannot supervise relationships between multinational corporations and their thousands of worldwide employees.
C)With the changing politics of federalism, Congress is being pressured to increase the size and scope of national programs.
D)State governments cannot supervise the relationships between small merchants and their few employees.
E)The national budget can become a positive subject for Congress if it grows too large.

Question 45

The ________ is both a block and project grant.

A)National research grants from the National Science Foundation
B)The National School Lunch Program
C)The Community Development Block Grant program
D)The Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program
E)National research grants from the National Institutes of Health

Question 46

After the civil rights revolution of the 1960s, segregationists ________.

A)criticized the local government
B)emphasized the dangers of decentralization
C)argued that the protection of civil rights was a proper function of the national government
D)continued to champion the rights of racial and religious minorities
E)feared that national officials would work for racial integration

Question 47

Which of the following statements about national grants is true?

A)To supply state and local governments with revenue is the most important purpose of national grants.
B)The purpose of national grants is to maximize the growth of national agencies.
C)National grants establish maximum national standards for such things as highways and clean air.
D)The four types of national grants are always combined within a single program area.
E)The national government often mixes and matches the grant types to accomplish its goals.

Question 48

________ refers to the effort to slow the growth of the national government by returning many functions to the states.

A)Devolution revolution
B)Preemption
C)Pro bono
D)Interstate compact
E)Extradition

Question 49

Which of the following statements best describes project grants?

A)grants that are distributed to the states based on procedures set out in the granting legislation
B)grants offered by national government to support states for specific activities, such as scientific research and homeland security
C)grants for specific purposes, such as Medicaid health care for the poor, which are tightly monitored to ensure that the money is spent exactly as directed
D)grants made for more generalized governmental functions such as public assistance, health services, child care, or community development
E)grants that are generally not restricted to a fixed amount of time and can be spent within flexible guidelines

Question 50

Decentralists differ from centralists in that ________.

A)decentralists believe that the national government should not interfere with activities reserved for the states
B)decentralists have traditionally enjoyed the support of the Supreme Court
C)decentralists reject the idea of the Constitution as an interstate compact
D)decentralists have not been particularly supportive of the devolution revolution
E)decentralists favor national action over action at the state and local levels

Question 51

Formula grants refer to the ________.

A)grants offered by national government to support states for specific activities, such as scientific research and homeland security
B)grants made for more generalized governmental functions such as public assistance and health services
C)grants for specific purposes that are tightly monitored to ensure that the money is spent exactly as directed
D)grants that are generally not restricted to a fixed amount of time and can be spent freely
E)grants that are distributed to the states based on procedures set out in the granting legislation

Question 52

In the context of national grants, Republicans have consistently ________.

A)favored fewer strings, less national supervision
B)favored more detailed, federally supervised spending
C)favored more national supervision
D)favored low state control
E)criticized state governments for their inefficiency in spending block grants

Question 53

Which of the following is true of the decentralist position?

A)Decentralists have been consistently supported by presidents, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
B)Decentralists argue that the national government is a government of all the people, whereas each state speaks for only some of the people.
C)Decentralists believe that the national government must interfere with activities reserved for the states in order to ensure efficient governance.
D)Decentralists insist that state governments are closer to the people and reflect the people's wishes more accurately than the national government does.
E)Decentralists have not been particularly supportive of the devolution revolution, which argues for returning responsibilities to the states.

Question 54

National grants serve four purposes, the most important of which is to ________.

A)supply state and local governments with revenue
B)establish minimum national standards for such things as highways and clean air
C)equalize national resources among the states
D)attack national problems but minimize the growth of national agencies
E)spend national taxes through grants in states where the poor live

Question 55

The ________ of 1995 was championed by then-House Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich as part of the GOP's Contract with America.The act was considered part of what commentators called the "Newt Federalism."

A)American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
B)Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
C)Elementary and Secondary Education Act
D)Affordable Care Act
E)No Child Left Behind Act

Question 56

Which of the following statements about block grants is true?

A)Block grants are for specific purposes that are tightly monitored to ensure that the money is spent exactly as directed.
B)Block grants are offered by national government to support states for specific activities, such as scientific research and homeland security.
C)By definition, the blocks of funding are provided with numerous requirements attached.
D)States have no flexibility in deciding how to spend block grant dollars.
E)Block grants are limited to specific amounts set by the national government.

Question 57

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is ________.

A)both a categorical and formula grant
B)both a block and formula grant
C)a project grant
D)a block grant only
E)a formula grant only

Question 58

People who favor national action over action at the state and local levels are known as ________.

A)recidivists
B)centralists
C)lobbyists
D)trustees
E)delegates

Question 59

In the context of national grants, Democrats tend to favor ________.

A)fewer strings and less national supervision
B)more detailed, federally supervised spending
C)broad, discretionary block grants
D)delegation of spending discretion to the local governments
E)delegation of spending discretion to the state governments

Question 60

________ grants for specific purposes, such as Medicaid health care for the poor, are tightly monitored to ensure that the money is spent exactly as directed.

A)Project
B)Pro bono
C)Categorical
D)Block
E)Reserve

Question 61

The politics of federalism are changing, and Congress is being pressured to reduce the size and scope of national programs, while dealing with the demands for homeland security.

Question 62

Preemption occurs when a national law or regulation takes precedence over a state or local law or regulation.

Question 63

In the context of national grants, Democrats "have consistently favored fewer strings, less national supervision, and the delegation of spending discretion to the state and local governments."

Question 64

Centralists believe that the national government should not interfere with activities reserved for the states.

Question 65

Conducting elections and coining money are examples of powers reserved for state governments.

Question 66

Decentralists are people who favor national action over action at the state and local levels.

Question 67

In order for a state or local government to receive funding through a project grant, the state or local government must apply for the funding.

Question 68

Unitary system is a constitutional arrangement in which power is distributed between a central government and states.

Question 69

A constitution divides governmental powers between the national government and state governments, giving clearly defined functions to each.

Question 70

Fewer national dollars do not necessarily mean fewer national controls.

Question 71

The growth of the national economy and the creation of national transportation and communications networks altered people's attitudes toward the national government.

Question 72

Information about state action spreads quickly from government to government, especially during periods when the national government is relatively slow to respond to pressing issues.

Question 73

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act requires Congress to evaluate the impact of unfunded mandates and imposes mild constraints on Congress itself.

Question 74

When one political party loses control of the national government, it ceases to challenge the party in power at the national level.

Question 75

Only state governments can supervise relationships between multinational corporations and their thousands of worldwide employees.

Question 76

To attack national problems but minimize the growth of national agencies is the most important purpose served by national grants.

Question 77

Only the national government has the reserve powers to create schools and local governments.

Question 78

State officials generally prefer categorical grants that have fewer restrictions on how the states can spend the funding to block grants that have more restrictions.

Question 79

The state governments have all of the powers not delegated to the central government except those denied to them by the Constitution and their state constitutions.

Question 80

The Constitution allows states to tax foreign ships.