Question 1

Federalism allows the state laws to vary based on citizens' interests.Why might this diversity be in the interest of the national government?

Accepted Answer

Allowing state laws to reflect the diverse needs of citizens increases citizen satisfaction, which can lead to increased support and stability for the national government. It also allows for experimentation and innovation in policy, which can lead to beneficial advancements that can be adopted at the national level.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes an example of how the federal government could strengthen federalism?

Accepted Answer

Allowing variations in Medicare policies would give states more authority over their own health care systems and strengthen the concept of federalism, which is the sharing of power between the federal government and the states. The other options would either increase federal power over the states or violate state sovereignty.

Question 3

Which form of local government is most likely to be inefficient because of collective-action problems among city executives?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which form of local government is most...

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a negative externality?

Accepted Answer

Increased water pollution from a factory in another state is an example of a negative externality as it imposes costs on individuals or society that are not directly involved in the production or consumption of the goods or services. The pollution affects others in the surrounding areas by damaging the ecosystem, harming the health of individuals and animals, and reducing the overall value of the environment.

Question 5

How can the relative levels of taxes impact relationships between states?

Accepted Answer

When some states have higher taxes than others, it can create a competitive environment where businesses may be more likely to move to states with lower taxes. This competition can lead to tension between states as they try to attract businesses and residents with lower taxes.

Question 6

Federal systems ____________________ national power relative to confederal systems,which allows them to exercise ____________________ control over tax policies.

Accepted Answer

Federal systems increase national power relative to confederal systems, which allows them to exercise greater control over tax policies. In a federal system, the central government has the power to levy taxes on a national level, while also allowing subnational governments to collect taxes within their own jurisdictions. This gives the central government more control over tax policies and a greater ability to fund its programs and initiatives. In contrast, confederal systems give more power to the subnational governments, which limits the central government's ability to control tax policies.

Question 7

Some policy analysts have shown that states and cities that enact relatively high taxes to pay for extensive social programs _____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some policy analysts have shown that states...

Question 8

Which form of local government is essentially a local version of a separation of powers system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which form of local government is essentially...

Question 9

Which term indicates a political system in which the national government holds ultimate authority over all areas of policy and over all actions of subunit governments?

Accepted Answer

A unitary system is one in which the national government holds ultimate authority over all areas of policy and over all actions of subunit governments. This is in contrast to federalism, where power is shared between the national government and state or regional governments, and confederation, where subunit governments retain more power than the national government. Intergovernmentalism refers to cooperation between multiple levels of government, and internationalism refers to cooperation between multiple nations.

Question 10

If a local government wants to be more autonomous,what should it do?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging state government to adopt or maintain home rule is the best option for a local government to become more autonomous. Home rule allows local governments to have greater control over their own affairs without interference from state government. This can include the ability to pass laws and regulations without needing state approval, and the ability to levy and collect taxes. By advocating for home rule, local governments can increase their independence and better serve the needs of their constituents.

Question 11

In a unitary system of government ____________________.

Accepted Answer

In a unitary system of government, the national government has legal control over local government. This means that local governments derive their power and authority from the national government and can be overruled by it.

Question 12

Which of these systems shares power most between state and national units?

Accepted Answer

Federalist government shares power most between state and national units. In a federalist government, power is divided between the central government and regional or state governments, with each having independent powers and responsibilities. This system aims to balance the power sharing between the national and state governments, reducing the possibility of concentration of power in a single entity.

Question 13

Which of the following problems is addressed by implementing federalist practices?

Accepted Answer

Federalist practices, such as the division of power between the national government and state governments, can help address collective-action problems by allowing for more local control and participation in decision-making.

Question 14

Some economists have argued that federalism leads states to offer more efficient mixes of taxes and services due to ____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some economists have argued that federalism leads...

Question 15

Historically,how has the American political system responded to large economic and military crises?

Accepted Answer

In response to large economic and military crises, the American political system has historically embraced centralized decision making and increased the power of the national government. Examples include the New Deal programs during the Great Depression and the expansion of executive power in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11th.

Question 16

The relationship between state governments and municipal governments under the principle of Dillon's Rule most nearly reflects which constitutional relationship between national and state governments?

Accepted Answer

Dillon's Rule is a principle of state constitutional law that holds that if there is any ambiguity about whether or not a power has been granted to municipal governments, it should be assumed that the power has not been granted. This means that municipal governments are subordinate to state governments and derive their powers from them. This mirrors the relationship between national and state governments in a unitary system, where power is centralized with the national government and is delegated downward to subordinate units of government.

Question 17

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,which regulates transportation,commercial interaction,and water management in both states,is an example of ____________________.

Accepted Answer

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a regional government entity that manages transportation and infrastructure across state lines, specifically for the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.

Question 18

Which is true of a state that has home rule as part of its constitution?

Accepted Answer

Home rule typically grants local governments greater control over their own affairs and allows them to make decisions without needing approval from the state government. This means that local governments have wider authority within the state. However, it does not necessarily prevent federal or state governments from interfering with local decision-making, nor does it allow cities to make international trade agreements.

Question 19

Denmark is a small nation in terms of both its population and land mass.Also,Denmark's population has historically been very homogeneous.On the basis of this information,which governing system is most likely to be in operation in Denmark?

Accepted Answer

Denmark's small population and homogeneous society suggest that a unitary system of government is most likely in operation. A unitary system is a form of government in which power is held by a central authority, and local governments or states have limited powers. This system is common in small countries with relatively homogeneous populations.

Question 20

Suppose California adopts environmental rules that permit manufacturers to emit more pollutants into the air,which affects air quality in Nevada and other neighboring states.This is an example of a/an ____________________.

Accepted Answer

A negative externality is an activity where a producer or consumer indirectly imposes a cost on a third party. In this case, California's decision to permit more pollutants affects neighboring states' air quality, which is a negative externality.

Quiz 3: Federalism