Question 1

An unfunded mandate is

Accepted Answer

An unfunded mandate is a requirement imposed on states that provides no federal funding. This means that the federal government requires states to carry out certain actions or provide certain services, but does not provide any financial support to do so. This can cause state governments to struggle to fund these mandates and can lead to cuts in other areas of their budgets.

Question 2

For which of the following types of grants must state and local governments compete?

Accepted Answer

Project grants are the only type of grant where state and local governments must compete for funding. Formula grants and block grants are distributed based on a specific formula, while categorical grants are awarded for specific purposes. Medicaid is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to eligible individuals and is not a grant program.

Question 3

Explain the doctrine of states' rights.Why is it labeled a doctrine?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the doctrine of states' rights.Why is...

Question 4

The Commerce Clause is also called-appropriately-the Elastic Clause.

Accepted Answer

The Commerce Clause and the Elastic Clause are two distinct provisions within the U.S. Constitution. The Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, while the Elastic Clause (or Necessary and Proper Clause) allows Congress to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution its powers.

Question 5

In the case of McCulloch v.Maryland,Chief Justice John Marshall allowed the chartering of a national bank as "necessary and proper."

Accepted Answer

Chief Justice John Marshall did rule in McCulloch v. Maryland that the chartering of a national bank was "necessary and proper" for the functioning of the federal government.

Question 6

What is the Extradition Clause,and what is its significance?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the Extradition Clause,and what is...

Question 7

How would a supporter of a strong national government evaluate the role of the federal government in public education? Why? How would a supporter of states' rights evaluate the program? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How would a supporter of a strong...

Question 8

Did McCulloch v.Maryland go too far in interpreting the meaning of the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Did McCulloch v.Maryland go too far in...

Question 9

A federal grant program providing money to spend on a broad,general policy area is known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A block grant is a federal grant program that provides a fixed amount of money to states or local governments for a broad, general policy area. The recipients have more flexibility in determining how to use the funds compared to categorical grants, which are allocated for specific programs and activities. Formula grants are distributed based on predetermined calculations, project grants are given to specific projects or activities, and there is no such thing as a policy grant.

Question 10

Categorical grants are very specific and detailed,with little flexibility.

Accepted Answer

Categorical grants provide specific instructions and guidelines for how the funds may be used, leaving little room for flexibility or interpretation.

Question 11

Supporters of states' rights believe that the scope of the implied powers should be strictly limited.

Accepted Answer

Supporters of states' rights advocate for limiting the power of the federal government and empowering state governments. Therefore, they believe that the scope of the implied powers, which are derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution, should be strictly limited.

Question 12

The German länder are the equivalent of American

Accepted Answer

The German länder are similar in function and authority to the American states. They have their own government and legislative bodies, and they have some autonomy in areas like education, culture, and policing.

Question 13

Suppose that a state legislature enacts a law that is contrary to the U.S.Constitution.Which would take precedence,state law or the U.S.Constitution? What is the constitutional basis for your answer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose that a state legislature enacts a...

Question 14

The Commerce Clause has been used to strengthen states' rights at the expense of the federal government.

Accepted Answer

The Commerce Clause is actually used to expand federal powers over states, giving Congress authority to regulate interstate commerce and potentially override state laws. It is not typically used to strengthen states' rights.

Question 15

The division of powers between the national government and the states is clearly established in the U.S.Constitution.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The division of powers between the national...

Question 16

New Deal programs reduced the size and scope of federal government.

Accepted Answer

New Deal programs actually expanded the role and size of the federal government, with programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Social Security Administration (SSA) creating new agencies and bureaucracies.

Question 17

"A legal requirement placed on a state or local government by the national government requiring certain policy actions" is a definition for a

Accepted Answer

The definition provided describes a federal mandate, which is a requirement placed on state or local governments by the national government. Federal grant programs (A) provide funding to state or local governments for specific programs or purposes, while formula grants (B) distribute funding based on a predetermined formula. Redistributive federal programs (D) take resources from some individuals or states and give them to others, and state grants (E) provide funding to state governments for various purposes. None of these options fit the definition provided as closely as federal mandates.

Question 18

The Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v.Maryland pleased those who favored a strong national government.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland established the principle of implied powers and upheld the authority of the national government over state governments. This decision was seen as a victory for those who supported a strong national government.

Question 19

The powers of the national government that are specifically listed in the U.S.Constitution are known as implied powers.

Accepted Answer

The powers that are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution are known as enumerated powers. Implied powers are powers that are not specifically listed in the Constitution but can be assumed to exist due to the necessary and proper clause or other interpretation of the Constitution.

Question 20

State and local governments are legally prohibited from applying for project grants.

Accepted Answer

State and local governments are eligible to apply for project grants from various sources such as federal government, private foundations, and corporations. However, the eligibility criteria and application process may vary depending on the specific grant program.

Quiz 3: The Federal System