Question 1

Which of the following metaphors best describes dual federalism?

Accepted Answer

Dual federalism is often described as a layer cake metaphor, where government powers are clearly divided among different levels, each with its own distinct responsibilities, much like the separate layers of a cake.

Question 2

Which of the following prevents states from using their powers to thwart national policy?

Accepted Answer

The supremacy clause in the Constitution asserts that federal law is superior to state law, thereby preventing states from using their powers to undermine national policy.

Question 3

What preemptive power is rooted in the Constitution that allows Congress to impose national priorities on states through national legislation?

Accepted Answer

The supremacy clause, found in Article VI of the Constitution, declares that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. This gives Congress the preemptive power to impose national priorities on states through national legislation, as federal laws supersede conflicting state laws.

Question 4

The Constitution did not give Congress the authority to establish the Internal Revenue Service. Congress did so, however, to implement its power to "lay and collect taxes." This an example of which of the following types of power?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of the Internal Revenue Service was not expressly stated in the Constitution, but it was necessary to carry out Congress's power to "lay and collect taxes." Therefore, the power to establish the IRS is an example of an implied power, which is a power not specifically listed in the Constitution but is necessary to carry out an expressed power.

Question 5

Which of the following metaphors best describes cooperative federalism?

Accepted Answer

Cooperative federalism is often described as a "marble cake" because it involves the mixing of responsibilities and powers between the national and state governments, rather than the clear separation portrayed by a layer cake.

Question 6

What is the basic premise of federalism?

Accepted Answer

Federalism is a system of government where power and authority are shared between a central government and multiple smaller governments that exist within the same territory. In the United States, this means that power and authority are shared between the national government and state governments. Each level of government has its own separate responsibilities and functions, but they can also overlap at times. This division of power helps to provide a system of checks and balances that promotes accountability and limits the potential for abuse of power.

Question 7

The necessary and proper clause of Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution is also known as which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

The necessary and proper clause of Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution is also known as the elastic clause because it grants Congress the power to stretch its legislative authority beyond the specific powers listed in the Constitution in order to carry out its duties effectively.

Question 8

In a federal political system, how is authority distributed?

Accepted Answer

In a federal political system, authority is distributed between the central government and regional or subdivisional governments. The central government has certain powers granted to it by the constitution, while the regional governments also have their own set of powers and responsibilities. This division of authority allows for greater autonomy and decision-making power at the local level while still maintaining a strong central government.

Question 9

What is the system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between the national and state governments?

Accepted Answer

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided and shared between the national (federal) government and state governments. This division of power is often outlined in a constitution, and each level of government retains certain powers and responsibilities, while also sharing some powers. The United States, for example, has a federal system of government, which allows for a balance of power between the national government and the individual states.

Question 10

Which of the following is the power to coin money, create naturalization laws, admit new states, and declare war?

Accepted Answer

The power to coin money, create naturalization laws, admit new states, and declare war are all specifically listed as powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. These are therefore examples of enumerated powers.

Question 11

A government program that is funded by the national government but run and managed by state governments is emblematic of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cooperative federalism is characterized by the sharing of power and responsibilities between the national and state governments. In this system, the national government provides funding and resources while state governments manage and implement programs. This approach promotes collaboration and cooperation between the levels of government. Dual federalism, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinct and separate roles of the national and state governments, while enumerated powers refer to specific powers granted to the national government in the Constitution. Reserved powers, meanwhile, are powers that are not delegated to the national government and are reserved for the state governments. The supremacy clause establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land.

Question 12

What is the constitutional provision that allows federal laws to take precedent over state laws?

Accepted Answer

The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution (Article VI, Clause 2) establishes that federal laws, treaties, and the Constitution itself supersede state laws and state constitutions. This means that if there is ever a conflict between a federal law and a state law, the federal law takes precedence and must be followed.

Question 13

Which of the following systems of government usually has a written constitution and divided authority between the central government and states?

Accepted Answer

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. It usually has a written constitution that outlines the powers of each level of government and sets limits on their authority. This system is used in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

Question 14

Which of the following classes of powers are not given to the federal government by the Constitution, nor reserved to the states?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following classes of powers...

Question 15

The advantages of a federal system of government include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

State governments are often viewed as testing grounds for new governmental initiatives because they can experiment with policies that are later adopted by the federal government. This allows for innovation and experimentation within the governmental system. The other options are not advantages of a federal system of government.

Question 16

During the time of the Constitutional Convention, why was federalism an appealing compromise?

Accepted Answer

Federalism was appealing because it allowed for both state sovereignty and a strong central government to handle common issues like national defense and trade. It maintained state traditions and allowed for regional differences to be respected while still providing a framework for national unity. It was seen as a compromise between the competing visions of a strong centralized government and strong state autonomy.

Question 17

When examining the Constitution, why are reserved powers not clearly defined?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When examining the Constitution, why are reserved...

Question 18

What is the doctrine of dual federalism?

Accepted Answer

The doctrine of dual federalism holds that the state and federal governments each have separate and distinct functions, responsibilities, and powers. This view emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strict separation of powers between state and federal governments, with limited overlap and shared authority. It contrasts with cooperative federalism, which stresses greater collaboration and interaction between the two levels of government.

Question 19

What clause in the Constitution grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its enumerated or expressed powers?

Accepted Answer

The elastic or necessary and proper clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its enumerated or expressed powers. This clause has been interpreted broadly by the Supreme Court, giving Congress significant flexibility in carrying out its duties.

Question 20

Which of the following does the final provision in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, sometimes known as the elastic clause, state?

Accepted Answer

The final provision in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, sometimes known as the elastic clause, states that Congress can make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. This clause gives Congress the flexibility to address situations that may not have been foreseen by the Founders when they drafted the Constitution. It is also sometimes referred to as the necessary and proper clause.

Quiz 4: Federalism