Question 1

Federalism accommodates a diverse set of views and beliefs.

Accepted Answer

Federalism allows for different regions or states to have varying laws, policies, and cultures while still being a part of the larger national government. This means that individuals and communities with different beliefs and values can coexist and have a greater say in how their local government operates.

Question 2

The era of cooperative federalism resembled the era of the national supremacy.

Accepted Answer

Cooperative federalism, which emerged during the New Deal era, involved a stronger national government working alongside state governments, similar to the national supremacy era where federal authority was dominant.

Question 3

One disadvantage of federalism is that states can try out policies without impacting the nation as a whole.

Accepted Answer

Federalism allows states to act as "laboratories of democracy," where they can experiment with policies on a smaller scale without directly impacting the entire nation, which is generally seen as an advantage rather than a disadvantage.

Question 4

The elastic clause of the Constitution grants that any law passed by Congress can override laws passed by the states.

Accepted Answer

The Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) allows Congress to make laws it deems necessary and proper for executing its powers, but it does not grant Congress the power to override state laws directly. State laws can only be overridden if they conflict with federal laws due to the Supremacy Clause, not the Elastic Clause.

Question 5

Federalism refers to the division of power between the judicial, executive, and legislative branches.

Accepted Answer

Federalism refers to the division of power between the central government and the state governments, not between the branches of government. The division of power between the branches is known as the separation of powers.

Question 6

During the era of "new federalism," the Supreme Court has tended to rule in favor of states' rights.

Accepted Answer

New federalism is a political philosophy that emphasizes the decentralization of power and the reduction of the federal government's role in domestic policies. The Supreme Court's rulings during this era have generally favored states' rights and limited the power of the federal government.

Question 7

What is the main purpose of the supremacy clause in Article VI of the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

During the first era of federalism, the states retained most of their sovereignty.

Accepted Answer

During the first era of federalism, from the ratification of the Constitution until the Civil War, the states retained a significant amount of their sovereignty, including the power to regulate commerce within their own borders and to establish their own laws and governing systems.

Question 9

How did the period of national supremacy originate in the United States? Consider the division of power between the states and the federal government. In your own opinion, what is the proper balance of state and federal power under the system of federalism?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

How has the Supreme Court acted during the period of "New Federalism" that began in the 1990s and has continued on through today? Cite specific examples to defend your answer.

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Question 11

Why do you believe the Founders settled on a system of federalism, compared to the confederation of states under the Articles of Confederation?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Explain the difference between the enumerated powers to the federal government in the Constitution and reserved powers. What are concurrent powers? Give some examples of each.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Those powers that are explicitly listed in the Constitution are known as reserved powers.

Accepted Answer

Reserved powers are actually those powers that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution, but are reserved for the states. The powers explicitly listed in the Constitution are known as enumerated powers.

Question 14

Explain the relationship between the federal government and the state governments during the period of cooperative federalism. What was the primary vehicle for its introduction?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks caused the federal government to scale back.

Accepted Answer

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks actually caused the federal government to expand and increase security measures.

Question 16

Define federalism and provide an example of federalism in America.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What is one disadvantage of federalism that is mentioned in the textbook? Why is that considered to be a disadvantage? If you were in charge, how would you remedy this disadvantage?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How does federalism create wealth disparities between the states, and why is that a disadvantage of federalism?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

What are some of the advantages to the American system of federalism? Using what you know about the system of federalism and how America functions, can you think of any other advantages? In your opinion, do these advantages outweigh any disadvantages?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Federalism fosters an equitable and fair distribution of wealth among the states.

Accepted Answer

Federalism, by its nature, allows for significant variation in wealth distribution among states due to differences in state policies, economies, and resources, which can lead to disparities rather than equitable distribution.

Quiz 3: Federalism