Question 1

Federalism checks the growth of tyranny because

Accepted Answer

Federalism checks the growth of tyranny by allowing political diversity across different levels of government. When one party loses control at the national level, it can still maintain influence and challenge the ruling party through state and local governments, preventing any single party from having unchecked power.

Question 2

The national supremacy clause is interpreted to mean that national policies are only enforceable with the permission of the states.

Accepted Answer

The national supremacy clause is interpreted to mean that federal laws and policies hold superiority over state laws and policies, and can be enforced without the permission of the states.

Question 3

A constitutional doctrine that suggests whenever conflict occurs between the constitutionally authorized actions of the national government and those of a state or local government, the actions of the federal government prevail, is known as

Accepted Answer

The constitutional doctrine that provides that the Constitution and federal law take precedence over state laws and constitutions is known as the national supremacy. This principle is derived from Article VI of the Constitution, which declares federal law as the "supreme Law of the Land." Therefore, whenever there is a conflict between federal and state law, federal law prevails. This doctrine is considered a cornerstone of the federal system and helps ensure uniformity in the application of federal law across the country.

Question 4

The Constitutional base for the implied powers of Congress is

Accepted Answer

The necessary and proper clause, also known as the elastic clause, is found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution. It grants Congress the power to make any laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, which includes the power to create implied powers.

Question 5

In a confederation system of government, a constitution vests all governmental power in the central government.

Accepted Answer

In a confederation system of government, the constitution vests governmental power in the individual states or provinces rather than the central government. The central government has limited power and serves mainly to coordinate and manage the affairs of the constituent states.

Question 6

Dual federalism

Accepted Answer

Dual federalism views the Constitution as giving a limited list of powers to the national government, leaving the majority of responsibilities to the states. It's also known as "layer cake federalism" due to the clear separation of power between the two levels of government.

Question 7

The text uses the term "federal government" to refer to

Accepted Answer

The term "federal government" typically refers to the national government headquartered in Washington, D.C. It includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government at the federal level.

Question 8

Cooperative federalism views the Constitution as giving a limited list of powers-primarily foreign policy and national defense-to the national government, leaving the rest to sovereign states.

Accepted Answer

Cooperative federalism differs from dual federalism in that it views the national and state governments as partners in carrying out governmental functions and policies. This approach emphasizes intergovernmental cooperation and shared responsibilities, rather than strict separation of powers between the national and state governments. Under cooperative federalism, the federal government has expanded its powers through its authority to regulate interstate commerce and provide funding to the states for various programs, often with strings attached.

Question 9

Constitutionally, the federal system of the United States consists of the national government, the 50 states and

Accepted Answer

The federal system of the United States constitutionally consists of the national government and the 50 states. Counties, cities, towns, and regions are considered subdivisions of the states rather than integral components of the federal system.

Question 10

The powers given explicitly to the national government and listed in the Constitution are called ____________ powers.

Accepted Answer

Delegated powers are also known as enumerated or expressed powers, and they are specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the national government. Examples of delegated powers include the power to regulate interstate commerce, the power to coin money, and the power to declare war. Implied powers are not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out the delegated powers. Necessary and proper powers refer to the ability of Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out the other powers granted to the national government. Reserved powers belong to the states, and inherent powers are those that are inherent to any sovereign nation.

Question 11

Funds appropriated for specific purposes, such as school lunches or the building of highways or airports, which are allocated by formula and subject to detailed federal conditions are called

Accepted Answer

Categorical-formula grants are funds allocated for specific purposes according to a formula determined by Congress. These grants are subject to detailed federal conditions and guidelines, requiring implementation of specific programs or activities. Examples include grants for school lunches or the building of highways or airports.

Question 12

All powers not specifically delegated to the national government nor denied to the states by the Constitution are called

Accepted Answer

This refers to the concept of reserved powers, which means that any powers not granted to the federal government or prohibited to the states are reserved for the states to exercise.

Question 13

A requirement the federal government imposes as a condition for receiving federal funds is called

Accepted Answer

A federal mandate is a requirement that the federal government imposes on states or local governments as a condition for receiving federal funds. These mandates can be related to a variety of areas, including education, healthcare, and transportation. States and local governments have the option to accept or decline the funds and associated mandates, but often choose to comply with the mandates to receive the financial assistance.

Question 14

Federalism allows unity without uniformity because national politicians and parties do NOT have to iron out every difference on every issue that divides us; these issues are debated in state legislatures, county courthouses, and city halls.

Accepted Answer

Federalism divides power between the national and state governments, allowing for local control over certain issues and promoting diversity and flexibility in policymaking. This means that not all issues need to be resolved at the national level, and instead can be debated and addressed locally, promoting unity while still allowing for differences in opinion and approach.

Question 15

In an effort to reduce rising national budget deficits, which type of federal grant program was eliminated?

Accepted Answer

Revenue sharing programs were eliminated in an effort to reduce rising national budget deficits. Revenue sharing programs provided a direct transfer of funds from the federal government to local governments without any specific requirements on how the money should be used. This type of grant program was seen as inefficient and encouraged local governments to become dependent on federal funding.

Question 16

_______________ is a form of government in which a constitution distributes powers between a central government and smaller regional governments.

Accepted Answer

Federalism is a form of government in which powers are divided between a central government and smaller regional governments through a constitution. This allows for a balance of power between the different levels of government and ensures that the central government does not become too powerful.

Question 17

The attempt to return many functions of government to the state level has been called

Accepted Answer

The term "devolution revolution" is commonly used to describe the attempt to return many functions of government to the state level. This term was popularized in the 1990s during the Republican Party's "Contract with America," which included a number of proposals aimed at limiting the power of the federal government and devolving it to the states.

Question 18

The case of McCulloch v.Maryland (1803) involved

Accepted Answer

The case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1803) involved the right of a state to tax the federal government. Specifically, the state of Maryland had attempted to levy a tax on the Second Bank of the United States, a federal institution. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the federal government, establishing the principle of federal supremacy and affirming the implied powers of the federal government under the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution.

Question 19

The national and state governments share the power to

Accepted Answer

Both national and state governments have the power to impose and collect taxes and fees, which is a concurrent power shared by both levels of government.

Question 20

The constitutional provision requiring that state courts enforce civil judgments of the courts of other states and accept their public records as valid is found in the

Accepted Answer

The provision described in the question is the full faith and credit clause, which is found in Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution, and requires that states give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Quiz 3: American Federalism