As the national government has grown stronger over time, the system has come to resemble ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phrase "marble cake" suggests that the national and state governments are intermixed and work together on many policy areas, which is true in modern times. The phrase "layer cake" suggests that the national and state governments are separate layers with little overlap or interaction, which is not accurate in today's political system. Choice A and D are incorrect because they describe a political system that existed in the early days of the United States but has since evolved. Choice B is partially correct in that there is some cooperation between the national and state governments, but the phrase "layer cake" is misleading. Choice E is also partially correct in that federal and state jurisdiction is sometimes in flux, but the phrase "marble cake" is a better descriptor of the current relationship between the national and state governments.

As the National Government Has Grown Stronger Over Time, the System