Deck 3: Federalism

Question 1

In the United States, the federal government and the state and local governments share power with one another. In some instances, the federal government has powers that the state governments do not have and the states have power the federal government does not have, while in other instances the state and federal governments share power. This is an example of which system of government?

A) federalism
B) unitarian
C) confederation
D) authoritarian

Answer 1

A

Question 2

What is the primary difference between enumerated powers and reserved powers?

A) Enumerated powers are granted to Congress, while reserved powers are those set aside for the president.
B) Enumerated powers are stated in the Constitution as belonging to Congress, while reserved powers are those set aside for the states.
C) Enumerated powers are those granted to the states in the Tenth Amendment, while reserved powers are powers shared by the states with Congress.
D) Enumerated powers are not expressly granted by the Constitution, while reserved powers are stated directly in the Constitution.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Each year, Americans are required to pay taxes to their state government and to the federal government based on their personal income the previous year. This ability of the states and the federal government to collect taxes from its citizens is an example of ______.

A) an enumerated power of Congress
B) an implied power of the president
C) a concurrent powers of the states and federal government
D) a reserved power retained by the states

Answer 3

C

Question 4

What is the most likely reason the Founders preferred a system of federalism over any other form of government?

A) Federalism gave more authority to the national government to keep the states in line.
B) Federalism allowed for the United States to tax its citizens at a higher rate than before.
C) Federalism ensured that the states had most of the control over interstate commerce.
D) Federalism answered problems experienced under British rule and the Articles of Confederation.

Question 5

How has the necessary and proper clause been interpreted since the adoption of the Constitution?

A) It has been used to keep Congress in check with its enumerated powers.
B) It has been used to give the president additional powers.
C) It has been used to expand the powers of the federal government and Congress.
D) It has been used to devolve certain powers to the state governments.

Question 6

Which option best describes concurrent powers?

A) powers that are shared by the federal and state governments
B) powers that are granted only to the federal government in the Constitution
C) powers that are implied as belonging to the federal government
D) powers that are retained by the states

Question 7

Although the federal government has established a national Election Day in the United States and there are several amendments that prohibit discrimination when it comes to voting, states have most of the power over the voting process. Each state has different voter registration and identification laws that the citizens in that state must abide by. This would make voting a(n) ______.

A) enumerated power
B) concurrent power
C) reserved power
D) confederal power

Question 8

What are reserved powers?

A) congressional powers that are not specifically stated in the Constitution
B) powers retained by the states that are not granted to Congress
C) powers that may only be carried out by the president in dire situations
D) the responsibilities that are shared by the states and Congress

Question 9

The enumerated powers that are granted to Congress are done so in which part of the U.S. Constitution?

A) the Bill of Rights
B) the preamble
C) Article I
D) the Tenth Amendment

Question 10

Which type of power best embodies the system of federalism?

A) enumerated powers, which give the central government its authority
B) reserved powers, which indicate the powers retained by the states
C) concurrent powers, which are shared by the state and federal governments
D) supremacy powers, which establish national laws as the highest law of the land

Question 11

Suppose Congress has decided to establish a new branch of the military to work on weapons and other military technologies that can be used in space to carry out attacks against foreign enemies, including another nation's satellites during wartime. Congress has the ability to establish this new branch of the military per the U.S. Constitution. What is this an example of?

A) Congress exercising its reserved powers
B) Congress exercising its enumerated powers
C) Congress exercising its concurrent powers
D) Congress exercising its executive powers

Question 12

In the United States, the federal government has the power to propose amendments to the Constitution, while the states have the power to ratify those amendments. This division of power over the amendment process is an example of ______.

A) tyranny
B) government overreach
C) federalism
D) a confederation of states

Question 13

Prior to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which type of government did the United States have?

A) a unitary system of government
B) a direct democracy
C) a confederation
D) a federalist government

Question 14

The idea that the states retain certain powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government in Article I is reinforced by which part of the Constitution?

A) Article IV
B) the Tenth Amendment
C) the preamble
D) Article I, Section 8

Question 15

What is a confederation?

A) an army that is formed and led by the national government
B) a group of people who want to overthrow the government
C) a league of multiple states that unite to achieve shared goals
D) an organization of nations that aim to facilitate foreign policy

Question 16

Who has sovereignty in a federalist system?

A) each of the 50 states
B) the states and the federal government
C) the central government
D) a single executive

Question 17

The provision of the Constitution stating that the laws made by Congress take precedent over any state law is known as the ______.

A) elastic clause
B) establishment clause
C) expression clause
D) supremacy clause

Question 18

Why were the Founders likely wary of implementing a more unitary form of government?

A) It would have given the central government too much power over the states.
B) States would have retained too much of their sovereignty to be effective.
C) It would not have been enough of a change from the Articles of Confederation.
D) It would have allowed for mob rule to take over decisions made at the national level.

Question 19

The powers of the federal government that are specifically listed in Article I of the U.S. Constitution are known as ______.

A) enumerated powers
B) concurrent powers
C) federalist powers
D) reserved powers

Question 20

Who believed that federalism was the best "middle ground" of government types?

A) Abraham Lincoln
B) James Madison
C) John Marshall
D) Louis Brandeis

Question 21

In a general sense, how is the nature of federalism shaped?

A) Federalism is shaped by governmental actors and how they handle technological developments.
B) Federalism is shaped by the president and his executive cabinet following the inauguration.
C) Federalism is shaped by the Supreme Court and various decisions on cases.
D) Federalism is shaped by how the American people vote in midterm and presidential elections.

Question 22

For the first few decades since the Constitution was ratified, who had principal authority in America?

A) George Washington
B) the states
C) the Supreme Court
D) Congress

Question 23

Which Supreme Court case established the federal government's power over commerce and business?

A) McCulloch v. Maryland
B) Marbury v. Madison
C) Martin v. Hunter's Lessee
D) Gibbons v. Ogden

Question 24

What was the primary motive underlying the beginning of the Civil War?

A) disagreements regarding the institution of slavery
B) struggles over the proper balance of state and federal power
C) economic struggles brought on by high taxes
D) disagreement over granting women the right to vote

Question 25

How did the federal government originally begin to expand its power?

A) by passing a series of social welfare programs
B) by implementing a hefty income tax
C) by establishing a national bank
D) by creating a standing military

Question 26

What is the significance of the Supreme Court's decision on Martin v. Hunter's Lessee?

A) The Court's decision reinforced the application of the supremacy clause.
B) The decision effectively invalidated the necessary and proper clause.
C) The Court's decision devolved much of Congress' power to the states.
D) The decision ended the oversight of Congress over the states.

Question 27

How did Chief Justice John Marshall's Court impact the balance of federalism?

A) It shifted the power balance away from the states toward the national government.
B) It gave states the ability to pass laws that conflicted with and overrode national laws.
C) It granted states certain powers that were also enumerated to Congress.
D) It shifted the balance of power from the state governments to local governments.

Question 28

Which part of the Constitution contains the supremacy clause?

A) Article I
B) Article III
C) Article IV
D) Article VI

Question 29

What was the significance of the Supreme Court's decision on McCulloch v. Maryland?

A) It devolved several powers of the national government to the states.
B) It asserted the federal government's power over the states.
C) It abolished the practice of slavery at the national level.
D) It expanded the number of seats on the Supreme Court.

Question 30

Who was primarily responsible for ushering in the period of national supremacy?

A) George Washington
B) Alexander Hamilton
C) Thomas Jefferson
D) John Marshall

Question 31

According to the Founders, what was the primary purpose of Article I of the Constitution?

A) It would be a starting point for the federal government to expand its powers.
B) It would be the limiting factor for the federal government, with states retaining most powers.
C) It would be vague enough for the federal government to extend its reach without issue.
D) It would limit state powers while granting all other authorities to the federal government.

Question 32

At the federal level, the use of marijuana for any reason is considered illegal. However, several states have now legalized the use of marijuana for either medical or recreational use. Although the federal government has not employed its resources to strictly enforce the federal law outlawing marijuana use, doing so would be an example of which action?

A) overreaching federal power
B) preempting state laws
C) imposing authoritarian rule
D) utilizing the elastic clause

Question 33

What is it called when a federal law explicitly bars the states from making a certain law or taking a certain action?

A) tyranny
B) exercising concurrent powers
C) authoritarianism
D) preemption

Question 34

How does the full faith and credit clause uphold America's federalist system of government?

A) It gives Congress the power to declare laws that preempt state laws.
B) It prohibits states from making laws that conflict with federal laws.
C) It guarantees that citizens are treated equally when in another state.
D) It ensures stability in personal and business relations between states.

Question 35

As federalism was initially intended, which action would the states have had authority to take?

A) creating a separate currency for local use
B) forming a trade agreement with France
C) establishing a welfare program for residents
D) helping to form and raise military forces

Question 36

During the period of state-centered federalism, over which area did the federal government have authority?

A) foreign affairs
B) public health
C) general welfare programs
D) workplace safety

Question 37

In the state of Minnesota, clothing is considered tax exempt. Suppose that a clothing boutique in Minneapolis has been charging a flat 5 percent sales tax on all clothing purchases for customers who are not Minnesota residents. This would be a violation of the ______.

A) privileges and immunities clause
B) elastic clause
C) full faith and credit clause
D) supremacy clause

Question 38

States maintain healthy relationships with one another so that ______.

A) they can form a coalition of militias if the central government turns tyrannical
B) they can resolve disagreements and maintain civility for the benefit of federalism
C) people can move freely between states without experiencing animosity or rejection
D) couples who are married can have their marriages recognized in other states

Question 39

Suppose a Supreme Court justice has just been appointed by the president, and during the senatorial hearing, the judge states that he fully believes that the states must abide by the laws set by Congress and that it is the duty of the Court to interpret the Constitution in a way that protects the federal government from the states encroaching on its enumerated powers. This judge believes in the ______.

A) national supremacy doctrine
B) full faith and credit clause
C) equal balance of federalism
D) notion of state sovereignty

Question 40

Which statement best describes the balance of federalism since the adoption of the Constitution?

A) The balance of power between the states and the national government has remained stable.
B) The authority of the states has consistently increased at the expense of the national government.
C) The balance of power between the states and the federal government has shifted back and forth.
D) The authority of the federal government has increased, while the states have lost some powers.

Question 41

Dual federalism is a balance of federalism ______.

A) characterized by states having authority to limit federal powers
B) that prioritizes states' rights over the federal government
C) where the federal government has significant power over the states
D) characterized by expanded federal authority over the states

Question 42

How is liberty strengthened through federalism?

A) It expands the power of the central government as a way to ensure freedom.
B) It grants the states the right to revert back to a confederation if needed.
C) It prevents the central government from growing too powerful.
D) It allows Congress to overrule any law passed by the states.

Question 43

What ushered in the period of cooperative federalism during the early 1900s?

A) the Civil War
B) World War II
C) the New Deal
D) John F. Kennedy's assassination

Question 44

What has been the overall result of the terror attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001?

A) The federal government has increased its authority over the states.
B) The people have taken back most of their individual liberty.
C) The federal government has devolved most security measures to the states.
D) The state governments have implemented individual security measures.

Question 45

Which type of program would be most popular during the current period of "new federalism"?

A) a universal basic income program implemented at the federal level
B) a program that enforces gender hiring and pay equity within every state
C) a program that devolves power over entitlement qualifications to the states
D) an increased federal minimum wage of $15 per hour for every state

Question 46

What is one advantage of the system of federalism?

A) It ensures equality among Americans.
B) It fosters diversity.
C) It discourages engagement in war.
D) It gives the most power to individuals.

Question 47

Suppose Congress passes a law that increases the federal minimum wage to $20 per hour. Several states believe that enforcing this law will hurt businesses and their economies, so they pass state laws that enforce a $10 minimum wage instead. Which action might Congress take in response to this clear violation of federal law under a system of cooperative federalism?

A) Congress may choose to leave the states to act on their own.
B) Congress may revise their law and lower the minimum wage to $10.
C) Congress may decide to remove the states from the Union.
D) Congress may decide to repeal all existing minimum wage laws at the federal level.

Question 48

Which option best describes the era of "new federalism"?

A) a move further toward the national government's dominance
B) an emphasis on the rights of the individual and local governments
C) a significant shift toward favoring states' rights
D) constant fluctuation between states' rights and the national government

Question 49

Suppose Congress is attempting to pass a law that would require all manufacturing businesses in each state to adhere to a strict set of requirements, including cleanliness standards, gender equality in hiring practices, a higher minimum wage, and health benefits for part-time workers. The Supreme Court has ruled that this law violates the rights of the state to set such standards, since the cost of living and workforce differ from state to state. Which period of federalism is this decision best representative of?

A) dual federalism
B) national supremacy
C) cooperative federalism
D) marble-cake federalism

Question 50

Which aspect of federalism best accommodates diversity?

A) the ability of the federal government to exert the doctrine of preemption
B) the supremacy clause provision within the Constitution
C) the power granted to local governments by the Constitution
D) the reserved and concurrent powers granted to the states

Question 51

Who had the power to re-admit states to the Union after the Civil War?

A) the president
B) Congress
C) the Supreme Court
D) the Northern states

Question 52

How does "layer-cake" federalism differ from "marble-cake" federalism?

A) Layer-cake federalism refers to the system of government during segregation, while marble-cake federalism refers to a system of government after integration.
B) Layer-cake federalism refers to the dependent relationship between state and federal governments, while marble-cake federalism refers to the independence between the governments.
C) Layer-cake federalism refers to federalism that favors state authority, while marble-cake federalism refers to federalism that favors the authority of the national government.
D) Layer-cake federalism refers to the clear distinction in state and federal authority, while marble-cake federalism refers to the intertwined authorities of state and federal governments.

Question 53

James Madison explained the structure of federalism in ______.

A) a letter to Thomas Jefferson
B) Federalist No. 51
C) the Bill of Rights
D) Article I of the Constitution

Question 54

Suppose Congress has just passed a new initiative that would provide before and after school programs to students in lower income neighborhoods and districts that consistently score lower on standardized tests. In order to fund this, the federal government has decided to provide ______.

A) block grants
B) grants-in-aid
C) private tax dollars
D) school supplies

Question 55

How does federalism foster and accommodate diversity in America?

A) Federalism sets requirements for demographics within each state.
B) States have full control over who can and cannot vote in their state.
C) Each state has a culture of viewpoints that citizens can choose to be part of.
D) States are able to implement their own policies without impacting the nation as a whole.

Question 56

Which is an example of how diversity is reinforced by federalism?

A) The passage of a conservative economic policy in Oklahoma and a liberal environmental policy in California.
B) Imposing strict handgun laws at the federal level for all states to adopt and enforce.
C) Implementing affirmative action programs in hiring and admissions to colleges and universities.
D) Giving preferential treatment to historically oppressed classes of people in public accommodations.

Question 57

Why was it necessary for the federal government to expand its authority following the Civil War?

A) so standards could be established for re-admitting states to the Union
B) so that the federal government could impose higher taxes to pay for the war
C) so the government could begin economic planning to account for the abolition of slavery
D) so former slaves could take advantage of full rights from state to state

Question 58

During the era of cooperative federalism, which action would Congress have been likely to take if a state law conflicted with a federal law?

A) penalize that state by implementing higher taxes
B) remove that state's representation in Congress
C) assert exclusive control over the policy matter at hand
D) jail representatives at the state level for violating federal law

Question 59

Which president was responsible for the deregulation and restoration of states' rights in the mid- to late-1900s?

A) Ronald Reagan
B) Jimmy Carter
C) George W. Bush
D) Lyndon Johnson

Question 60

Suppose Congress has just passed a law that would place heavy restrictions and high taxes on small businesses that primarily utilize online marketplaces to sell products, declaring it is within Congress's power to do so under the commerce clause. However, the Supreme Court strikes down the law, stating that Congress is penalizing businesses that are simply taking advantage of technological developments. This ruling is consistent with the Supreme Court's rulings during which era of federalism?

A) national supremacy
B) cooperative federalism
C) new federalism
D) dual federalism

Question 61

What is one disadvantage of federalism?

A) Some policies are only implemented at the state level.
B) Each state has a different culture and collection of values.
C) There can be significant disparities in wealth among states.
D) Inherently American values of liberty and freedom are prioritized.

Question 62

What is one negative result of the American system of federalism?

A) States can create certain policies that do not benefit other states.
B) There can sometimes be a lack of accountability among elected officials.
C) American values like liberty and freedom are reinforced in society.
D) Each state has different priorities and a different culture.

Question 63

In order for an amendment to be added to the Constitution, it must be proposed first either by Congress or by the approval of Congress for states to form a convention to propose the amendment. The amendment may only be ratified, however, by approval of the states. This way, the federal government does not have the full power to make lasting changes to the Constitution. This is an example of which advantage of the system of federalism?

A) reliance on the courts
B) accommodation of diversity
C) strengthening liberty
D) laboratories of democracy

Question 64

What is the likely explanation for wealth disparities being the fault of federalism?

A) The federal government is unable to tax some states at different rates.
B) States are not obligated to redistribute their wealth to poorer states.
C) Less-wealthy states can refuse providing welfare programs to their citizens.
D) There is no federal law that requires equitable programs among the states.

Question 65

Why do state and national governments lack accountability under the system of federalism?

A) Shared responsibility can sometimes cause inaction over who should implement a policy.
B) Lawmakers often get into arguments over who is responsible due to states' reserved powers.
C) State governments tend to preempt national laws, which cause confusion among citizens.
D) Both the federal and state governments are subject to extreme gridlock when making laws.

Question 66

Why is it a concern that the states and the federal government rely heavily on the courts to resolve conflicts over who has the power to regulate an area?

A) The Founders intended for the states to take precedent when lawmaking powers conflict.
B) Judges and justices in the courts often do not have the necessary expertise to make these decisions.
C) Decisions made by the courts are not always consistently applied or binding in the future.
D) The Constitution clearly states that the federal government is supreme in its lawmaking abilities.

Question 67

Who is often responsible for resolving disagreements between the states and the federal government under the system of federalism?

A) the American people
B) the president
C) the House of Representatives
D) the courts

Question 68

Under the system of federalism, who has the power to reverse the precedent set by the Supreme Court?

A) the president
B) the Senate
C) the American people
D) the Supreme Court

Question 69

Why do lawmakers at the state level blame lawmakers at the federal level for inaction on certain policies?

A) It can sometimes be unclear who has the authority to act in some policy areas under federalism.
B) Federalism requires that all state lawmakers receive permission from the federal government to act.
C) Under federalism, it is up to the federal government to pass down laws to be implemented by states.
D) States are not obligated to act when it is possible that the federal government may have a say.

Question 70

What would likely result if the system of federalism in America were to deteriorate?

A) The wealth and economic viability of the states would vary from one another.
B) Government officials would refuse to take action and shirk responsibility.
C) Decisions would have to be made by the courts in some instances.
D) The central government would infringe upon the liberty of Americans.

Question 71

Who is mostly to blame for the lack of accountability that results from federalism?

A) the Supreme Court
B) state and federal lawmakers
C) the American people
D) the president

Question 72

Suppose several states in the United States have adopted constitutional carry laws, which allow citizens who pass a background check to buy, possess, and carry a firearm without the need for a state or county-issued license. Upon their adoption of these laws, states have seen a significant decrease in violent crimes, so it is suggested that the constitutional carry law is adopted at the federal level. What is this law a result of?

A) consistent litigation and reliance on the courts
B) fiscal disparities among the states
C) states as laboratories of democracy
D) accommodation of diversity

Question 73

What is one problem that arises under a system of federalism that can make it difficult for the courts to make a lasting decision?

A) The parameters of federalism are vague in some instances.
B) The balance of federalism shifts constantly.
C) The Supreme Court must be held to its standard of precedent.
D) The people often indicate they want something different than before.

Question 74

Why is it important to have laboratories of democracy?

A) They allow political scientists to better study trends in American politics.
B) Without them, it would be difficult to analyze and understand politics in America.
C) Policies must go through rigorous testing before they are implemented at the federal level.
D) Testing out policies at the state level can be a good indicator of success at the national level.

Question 75

Suppose the median household income in Alaska is nearly double that in Mississippi. Which is a likely outcome of this wealth disparity?

A) The welfare entitlement programs are better funded in Alaska than in Mississippi.
B) Alaska will have lower income and property taxes than Mississippi.
C) Residents in Mississippi will have a higher minimum wage to make up for the disparity.
D) Mississippi will be taxed at a lower rate to account for the difference in wealth.

Question 76

What is one drawback of the difference in wealth among the states?

A) The housing market in some states is better than the housing market in others.
B) Wealth disparities create competition for labor among the states.
C) Taxable resources differ, leading to more or less money for government programs.
D) Some states can provide better resources for their citizens than others.

Question 77

What is meant by a "laboratory of democracy"?

A) States are able to experiment with policies without impacting the nation as a whole.
B) The federal government can try out policies quickly and easily without severe repercussions.
C) Universities in America are excellent for fostering political discussion and debate.
D) American provides a unique case study for political scientists to observe democracy in action.

Question 78

One issue with federalism is that it can cause lawmakers to play the "blame game," which refers to them ______.

A) creating fiscal disparities
B) relying too much on the courts
C) having a lack of accountability
D) accusing voters of inaction

Question 79

Suppose a state has adopted a minimum wage requirement of $18 per hour with the goal of improving the lives of those working low-skilled jobs. After a few years of this minimum wage increase, the state is experiencing higher rates of unemployment, especially among low-skilled labor. The state evaluates its options and decides to repeal the minimum wage law and lower the minimum wage to $11.50, which they feel will help fix unemployment and give them time to seek other options. What is this law an example of?

A) an effective use of the laboratory of democracy
B) strengthening liberty of individuals
C) inaction and a lack of accountability
D) relying on the judicial system to resolve problems

Question 80

How does federalism protect liberty from within the federal government?

A) through the separation of responsibilities into three branches of government
B) by allowing the people to directly select the president every four years
C) through the implementation of policies like term limits and campaign finance laws
D) by giving Congress full authority to investigate and impeach presidents