Deck 3: Federalism

Question 1

The power to conduct elections is an example of a(n) __________ power.

A) enumerated
B) reserved
C) concurrent
D) dictated
E) revealed

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A political system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political subunits, is referred to as a​ ___________ system.

A) ​confederal
B) ​unitary
C) ​concurrent
D) ​federal
E) ​republican

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Why could the United Nations be considered a confederation?

A) It is a league of sovereign countries that work together to enforce various international laws.
B) The United Nations cannot be considered a confederation.
C) It is bound by a constitution to perform certain powers.
D) When nations join they become subordinate to the United Nations governing body.
E) Member nations are subordinate to the European community.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following is not a power held by the national legislature under the U.S. Constitution?

A) to lay and collect taxes
B) to raise and support armies and navies
C) to declare war
D) to coin money
E) to provide for the education of citizens

Question 5

Under the current U.S. Constitution, relations between the national government and state governments is based on which of the following systems?​

A) ​unitary
B) ​confederal
C) ​federal
D) ​monarchical
E) ​anarchic

Question 6

​Under the Articles of Confederation, relations between the national government and the states were based on what system of government?

A) ​federal
B) ​confederal
C) ​unitary
D) ​anarchic
E) ​monarchical

Question 7

One frequent challenge with a unitary system of government is hypercentralism, which means that ________.

A) an unusually excessive division of authority exists between the central government and local governments
B) multiple layers of government exist at the central level
C) a multichambered parliament is unable to respond to needs of the constituency
D) there is complete reliance on the central government, which hampers local officials from appropriately responding to needs
E) the elected officials who serve the central government exert abusive authority over the citizens

Question 8

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects _________________.

A) freedom of speech
B) citizenship rights to all natural born residents
C) powers not expressly given to Congress as being reserved to the states
D) national supremacy
E) the powers of judicial review

Question 9

Germany has a strong central government but the country is also made up of 16 Bundesländer, the plural term for the regions that are very similar to American states. Each Bundesländ has its own strong local government that shares power with the central government. This government system is an example of __________________.

A) federalism
B) democracy
C) humanitarianism
D) secularism
E) unity

Question 10

The power to lay and collect taxes is an example of a(n) _____________ power.

A) enumerated
B) reserved
C) concurrent
D) dictated
E) revealed

Question 11

In the U.S. Constitution, powers that are not delegated to Congress but are retained by the state governments are called ______________ powers.

A) enumerated
B) reserved
C) concurrent
D) federal
E) decentralized

Question 12

A confederation can be described as a system in which ________________________.

A) a single sovereign central government provides authority to local, or state, governments
B) members of society live in a cooperative with no formal government organization
C) a league of independent states unite to achieve certain goals
D) two or more governments are required to cooperate
E) a national government and state governments have independent powers

Question 13

An example of a confederation is the __________________.

A) the European Community
B) the United States of America
C) France
D) the United Nations
E) both the European Community and the United Nations

Question 14

Constitutional powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments are called __________ powers.

A) enumerated
B) reserved
C) concurrent
D) moderate
E) constituent

Question 15

Which of the following is a system of government in which sovereignty rests in the central government alone, and states cannot exert direct authority over citizens without approval of the central government?

A) federal system
B) confederation
C) unitary system
D) parochial system
E) secular system

Question 16

England has a strong elected Parliament that serves as the central government. All local governments are authorized by and subordinate to Parliament. This governmental arrangement is an example of a(n) _______________.

A) confederation
B) antimonarchial system
C) federation
D) unitary system
E) constitutional system

Question 17

Sovereignty is defined as the _____________________.

A) authority of a governmental unit to make local decisions
B) lack of a centralized government
C) supreme political power of a government to regulate its affairs with outside interference
D) ability to influence public policy by directly electing officeholders
E) absolute lack of government in society

Question 18

Powers explicitly delegated to the Congress under Article I of the U.S. Constitution are referred to as _____ powers.

A) enumerated
B) reserved
C) concurrent
D) federal
E) constituent

Question 19

The power to coin money is an example of a(n) ___________ power.

A) enumerated
B) reserved
C) concurrent
D) dictated
E) revealed

Question 20

James Madison referred to the system of federalism as the "middle ground" of government types. What did he mean by this statement?

A) The federal system is very weak because it fails to establish itself in contrast to unitary and confederation systems.
B) Unitary systems and confederation systems are opposing ends of the continuum. Federalism has elements of both systems but is the best attempt to balance the powers and needs of the state versus federal governments.
C) The government fails to take a definitive stance.
D) Federalism is the second most preferred system of government, after the unitary system.
E) The federal system abolishes the individual powers of the central and state governments in favor of a weaker, but more balanced, hybrid government.

Question 21

Throughout history which of following has been true regarding American federalism?

A) Federalism has proven to be rigid and unchanging in the face of an ever-changing world.
B) The role and powers of the federal government have evolved as undisputed.
C) The powers of the state governments have become almost nonexistent in light of national government powers.
D) Through several eras the pendulum has tended to swing between preferences for state versus federal powers and prerogatives.
E) American federalism has become almost nonexistent.

Question 22

According to Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, what must occur if a fugitive flees to another state and the governor of the state from which he fled requests his return?

A) There is no provision for this situation in Article IV.
B) The fugitive must be turned over to federal authorities.
C) The fugitive must be returned to the state from which he fled.
D) The fugitive must be transferred to a third state.
E) The charges must be transferred to the state to which the fugitive fled.

Question 23

In response to the National Supremacy period in the early nineteenth century, South Carolina adopted a series of resolutions that _____________________.

A) ​reaffirmed the supremacy of the national government
B) ​began the process of removing the state from the United States
C) ​supported the impeachment of President Jackson
D) ​adopted the theory of "nullification"
E) ​abolished the institution of slavery within the state

Question 24

What was the significant ruling of the Supreme Court in McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819?

A) The Madison administration was held in contempt of court for its disagreement with the creation of a national bank.
B) Though the national bank was a creation of the federal government, it was subordinate to the government of the state in which it was located.
C) Based on the necessary and proper clause of the U.S. Constitution, Congress had broad powers and was justified in using those powers when exercising the national government's expressly delegated powers.
D) The Supreme Court had no power or jurisdiction to consider a case involving a state government.
E) Maryland's state supreme court had jurisdiction over the federal court (Supreme Court).

Question 25

During the administrations of the first president, George Washington, and the second president, John Adams, ______.

A) ​Supreme Court rulings had a tremendously negative effect on presidential and other federal powers
B) ​state governments willingly surrendered powers to the federal government as recognition of its superiority
C) ​states' rights and powers were supreme and uncontested
D) ​the federal government's reach and growth was cautious and limited
E) ​the new nation came very close to anarchy and collapse

Question 26

According to the doctrine of p​reemption ______________________________.

A) ​when acting under authority granted to it under Article I, Congress may pass laws that supersede state laws
B) ​when Congress does not act under its enumerated powers, states may pass laws that burden interstate commerce
C) ​when both federal and state governments enact legislation, federal government laws must give way to state laws
D) ​state judicial systems are supreme over the U.S. Supreme Court
E) ​states must approve all federal laws before they are enacted

Question 27

Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution is referred to as the privileges and immunities clause. What does this section guarantee to American citizens?

A) The citizens of one state are immune to the civil laws of another state.
B) Citizens have privileges and not rights, which means that they are not immune to losing the privileges.
C) Every citizen has the right to travel through other states, reside in any state, and participate in business in any state.
D) Citizens are bound by the privileges in the state constitution, not the national constitution (U.S. Constitution).
E) Citizens are bound by the privileges in the national constitution (U.S. Constitution), not the constitutions of the states.

Question 28

When the Congress exercises power given to it under Article I, the federal law it creates may supersede a state law. This process is known as _______________.

A) federal abuse of power
B) unconstitutional action
C) the doctrine of preemption
D) the doctrine of fair business practice
E) judicial review

Question 29

When the U.S. Supreme Court interprets and makes a ruling concerning a question involving the U.S. Constitution, ___________________.

A) that ruling has no bearing on the state governments
B) the ruling only applies to an agency or official of the federal government
C) the supremacy clause applies only to the Constitution and not to Supreme Court actions
D) that ruling may be overridden by a state's supreme court
E) any state legislature or state court must also abide by the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution by the Supreme Court

Question 30

Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants that Congress has the power to make laws that are "necessary and proper" to carry out its duties. What is the meaning of this statement?

A) Congress has implied powers that, although not expressly stated in the Constitution, exist in order for Congress to enact legislation to carry out its duties.
B) Congress must hold regular conventions in order to determine contemporary social needs and then enact laws that best suit those needs.
C) Congress must limit its lawmaking to those issues for which it has enumerated powers.
D) Congress ultimately has the power to override any state laws that it deems unnecessary or improper.
E) Congress is expected to keep its lawmaking function to a minimum.

Question 31

In which of the following cases did the U.S. Supreme Court, in its interpretation of the supremacy clause, rule that a state court must abide by the terms of the federal Constitution, and also the interpretation of those terms as laid out by the U.S. Supreme Court?

A) Marbury v. Madison
B) McCulloch v. Maryland
C) Bas v. Tingy
D) Martin v. Mott
E) Martin v. Hunter's Lessee

Question 32

In a federal system of government what is the role of the national government when disputes arise between states?

A) The federal government is powerless in disagreements between states.
B) The federal government has powers to arbitrate disagreements between states.
C) Disagreements between states are arbitrated by a council of state executives; the federal government has no role.
D) The federal government has an equal vote and stake, as do the two or more states that are disagreeing.
E) The high courts of the states in disagreement arbitrate the dispute without interference of the federal government.

Question 33

Article VI of the U.S. Constitution contains the supremacy clause. What is the importance of this clause?

A) It requires that the individual state constitutions will be the "supreme law of the land" and that the national constitution may not override them.
B) It creates the standard that no other law, state constitution, or government action may override the U.S. Constitution.
C) It states that Congress is supreme over the other two branches of government.
D) It provides that no single government has supremacy over another.
E) It establishes the supremacy of the American citizen as the ultimate power.

Question 34

In one state, the civil court settles a dispute concerning assets in the estate of a deceased person. The one who loses the case in civil court cannot go into another state and have that state's civil court revisit the case. This is an example of ____.

A) the power of Congress to intervene and settle disputes between states
B) the difference between the criminal and civil court systems
C) the inability of the federal government to properly intervene in civil disagreements between states
D) the practical application of the full faith and credit clause of the U.S. Constitution
E) a breakdown in the civil court system in this nation

Question 35

During the first 30 years or so of the new constitutional democracy in the United States, what was the relationship between the states and the new federal government?

A) This era saw a constant struggle between federal powers and those of the states. Eventually the federal government became dominant.
B) The federal government had no powers at this time and was, in effect, nonexistent.
C) During this era there was a unique and effective balance between the two governments.
D) This era is one of state-centered federalism, in which the states managed their own affairs with very little interference from the federal government.
E) During this era the new federal government was dominant.

Question 36

If one state does not have a death penalty, can that state refuse to return a fugitive to face a possible death penalty in another state?

A) Yes; it is a moral obligation.
B) No; according to Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, states must respect and uphold the extradition laws of other states.
C) No; Congress has approved the death penalty for all states.
D) No; death penalty cases take precedent over other criminal cases.
E) Yes; but this is true only if the federal court intervenes and orders the prisoner's transfer.

Question 37

Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution contains the full faith and credit clause. What does this clause guarantee?

A) The states must have full faith that the federal government's decisions are correct.
B) The federal government is a guaranteed lender to the state governments for operational funds.
C) Each state will abide by the civil laws of each other state, including judicial decisions made by each state.
D) The federal government has the power to mediate disputes among states regarding religion.
E) The federal government is committed to matters of faith and must ensure that the right to religious faith is upheld.

Question 38

The period spanning roughly 1837 to 1937 is considered by many scholars as a period of dual federalism. This period included the tenure of Chief Justice Roger Taney until the early years of President Franklin Roosevelt and his New Deal. Why is this era referred to as dual federalism?

A) During this time the state courts and the federal courts had equal powers and jurisdiction.
B) The jurisdiction between the state and federal governments was hard to differentiate.
C) Congress had the authority to regulate the territories and oversee the admission of new states, while states retained considerable authority to regulate economic affairs.
D) The Supreme Court made rulings that returned our nation to a period that was twice as committed to a strong central government.
E) Congress was granted additional authority to regulate industrial relations.

Question 39

In his first term several of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal reforms were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as an overreach of federal powers. What was the response of President Roosevelt to these Court rulings?

A) The Roosevelt administration's New Deal reforms were implemented anyway and the Supreme Court failed to enforce its ruling.
B) President Roosevelt devised a "court-packing plan" that would increase the number of justices and allow him to appoint them.
C) The Roosevelt administration ceased to support the New Deal policies.
D) The Roosevelt administration appealed the ruling to the international courts.
E) The Roosevelt administration took the cases into each of the state supreme courts.

Question 40

One major result of President John Adams's tenure was the appointment of John Marshall as Chief Justice of the United States. Marshall shared Adams's ideologies and believed in a __________ doctrine of federalism.

A) national supremacy
B) state supremacy
C) Supreme Court supremacy
D) military
E) states' rights

Question 41

The sharp differences in wealth of citizens in different states and consequent variation in taxable resources available for given states' programs are a(n) _________________.

A) encouragement of the "laboratories of democracy"
B) example of lack of accountability
C) example of strengthening individual liberty through division of powers
D) disadvantage of federalism causing disparate programs for citizens of different states
E) example of reliance of courts to define the nature of federalism

Question 42

The passage of the National Minimum Drinking Age Amendment is a(n) __________________.

A) ​encouragement of the "laboratories of democracy"
B) ​example of lack of accountability
C) ​example of strengthening individual liberty through division of powers
D) ​disadvantage of federalism causing disparate programs for citizens of different states
E) ​example of a coercive burden on states that rely on federal funding

Question 43

The prospect of neither the federal nor state governments acting to address an economic or social problem is an example of ____________________.

A) encouragement of the "laboratories of democracy"
B) lack of accountability
C) strengthening individual liberty through division of powers
D) federalism causing disparate programs for citizens of different states
E) reliance on courts to define the nature of federalism

Question 44

"Marble Cake Federalism" is a system ________________________.

A) ​in which the aims of subnational government are subordinated to the goals of the central government
B) ​in which state and federal authority is intertwined in an inseparable mixture
C) ​in which the authority of the state and federal governments is distinct and more easily delineated
D) ​that affords Congress nearly unlimited authority to exercise its powers through means that often coerce states into administering and/or enforcing federal policies
E) ​that holds that state authority acts as a significant limit on congressional power under the Constitution

Question 45

An aspect of cooperative federalism is _____________.

A) ​the expansion of central government
B) grants-in-aid
C) ​block grants
D) individual states benefitting from large sums of funding
E) ​All of these choices are correct.

Question 46

Over time, Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush appointed several justices to the Supreme Court who have created a new ideological majority. This new majority has tended to ___________________.

A) ​staunchly guard the right of the national government to dictate policies that were traditionally held by the states
B) ​strike a perfect balance between state and national government interest
C) ​trample on the rights and prerogatives of state governments
D) ​shift the Supreme Court to a stance much more favorable to states' rights
E) ​move the Supreme Court away from states' rights

Question 47

"Layer Cake Federalism" is a system _____________________.

A) ​in which the aims of subnational government are subordinate to the goals of the central government
B) ​in which state and federal authority is intertwined in an inseparable mixture
C) ​in which the authority of the state and federal governments is distinct and more easily delineated
D) ​that affords Congress nearly unlimited authority to exercise its powers through means that often coerce states into administering and/or enforcing federal policies
E) ​that holds that state authority acts as a significant limit on congressional power under the Constitution

Question 48

According to the authors of the textbook, which of the following is a disadvantage of federalism?

A) strengthening of liberty through the division of powers
B) accommodation of diversity
C) encouragement of laboratories of democracy
D) economic disparities among the states
E) All of these choices are correct.

Question 49

Devolution of programs to the states has evolved gradually, through legislation such as The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which __________________________.

A) ​encouraged states to become "laboratories of democracy"
B) ​relaxed federal oversight of state performance
C) ​deregulated many industries
D) ​abolished the Department of Education
E) ​capped federal block grants to states for welfare aid

Question 50

When considering the history of the federal government's powers over the states, what generally happens with the federal power during major economic depressions or world wars?

A) The powers of the federal government usually increase and state prerogatives decrease.
B) The federal government usually loses powers because it is perceived that it created the problem.
C) The federal government usually loses powers because of its inability to create solutions.
D) State powers increase because states are more able to generate consensus.
E) Federal powers increase because the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution creates a status similar to martial law during crises.

Question 51

The ability of states to try social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country is viewed as a(n) _______.

A) ​disadvantage of federalism
B) ​example of accommodation of diversity
C) ​example of strengthening of liberty through division of powers
D) ​example of the operation of Brandeis's "laboratories of democracy"
E) ​All of these choices are correct.

Question 52

In the case, South Dakota v. Dole, the Supreme Court maintained that ___________________.

A) ​Congress may withhold federal funds from states that did not comply with the federal legal drinking age
B) ​Congress may establish the minimum age of voter eligibility
C) ​States held exclusive, reserved, power over education policies
D) ​States must comply with all federal laws
E) ​Congress may determine the status of prohibition of alcohol

Question 53

What was the "Contract with America" in 1994?

A) It was a series of initiatives during the 1994 midterm elections that helped the Republican Party take control of both houses of Congress on a platform of devolution.
B) It was a rather liberal agenda that was adopted by President Clinton to offset the conservative trend that was gripping the nation.
C) It was a political campaign that was adopted by the Supreme Court to strengthen the citizens' support of its rulings.
D) It was an attempt by the Republicans to consolidate all educational policies into one strong and effective federal Department of Education, as a remedy for a patchwork of state policies.
E) It was President Clinton's political agenda to counter a surge in Republican support.

Question 54

The era of cooperative federalism was rooted in the Great Depression struggles of the late 1930s. How did cooperative federalism differ from the previous era of dual federalism?

A) Cooperative federalism acted as a return to the strict doctrine of state powers.
B) Cooperative federalism increased the powers of the federal government when necessary, but retained basic state powers.
C) Cooperative federalism was an arrangement whereby the state governments were allowed to approve all Supreme Court rulings.
D) The Supreme Court had no authority under the dual federalism arrangement so the state governments cooperatively granted the Court its necessary powers.
E) State supreme courts continued to be the supreme authority in the national government structure.

Question 55

The culture of a state may be reflected in that state's handgun control laws, its rules on the distribution of alcohol, or its laws concerning abortion, prostitution, the use of land, and many other issues that tend to receive differing levels of support across America. This reflects which kind of advantage or disadvantage to federalism?

A) ​accommodation of diversity
B) ​strengthening of liberty through division of powers
C) ​lack of accountability
D) ​encouragement of laboratories of democracy
E) ​fiscal disparities among the states

Question 56

During the period of "new federalism," how has the Supreme Court used the Eleventh Amendment?

A) ​to strike down state laws that are in noncompliance with federal laws
B) ​to restrict lawsuits in federal court against public employers
C) ​to disallow state laws under the doctrine of preemption
D) ​to increasingly protect the authority of Congress
E) ​to emphasize the sovereignty of the national government

Question 57

What is the significance of the "New Federalism" era, which began in the 1990s?

A) It has opened a new era of liberalism in our nation, shifting our ideology further to the left.
B) It has shifted the predominance of power to the local level of government.
C) It has represented an era in which the U.S. Constitution was rewritten in favor of a more conservative governmental structure.
D) It appears that a significant counterthrust has occurred that has favored an increase in states' rights.
E) It has represented an era in which the Supreme Court consistently reiterated the power of the federal government over the states.

Question 58

According to the authors of the textbook, supporters of federalism cite which of the following as an advantage of a federal system of government?

A) ​the ability to accommodate the needs of a diverse citizenry
B) ​the ability to strengthen liberty by dividing powers among various levels of government
C) ​the ability to encourage experimentation (states as laboratories of democracy)
D) ​the ability to respond to change
E) All of these choices are correct.

Question 59

What effect did President Reagan have on the U.S. Supreme Court?

A) During the Reagan era, the Supreme Court invalidated many of the president's policies, so Reagan had little effect on the Supreme Court.
B) During his tenure, President Reagan had the opportunity to appoint four justices to the Supreme Court who were generally supportive of state powers, so the trend of devolution was strengthened in the judicial branch.
C) President Reagan appointed only one justice to the Supreme Court, an action that ultimately had little impact on the Court.
D) During his tenure, President Reagan was able to appoint several justices with liberal ideologies to the Supreme Court.
E) President Reagan arbitrated a stronger relationship between the Supreme Court and Congress whereby they worked cooperatively and in unison to implement policies.

Question 60

48. Devolution is a term that is used to describe a system of federalism in which _____________.

A) ​state power is significantly weakening
B) ​new states are being created
C) ​the central government voluntarily transfers powers to the state and local governments
D) ​the judicial branch assumes a dominant role in policymaking
E) ​in which the powers of the president are considerably reduced

Question 61

Compare the American system of federalism to other governments and their systems. What are some of the strengths of federalism when compared with other government systems?

Question 62

The U.S. Constitution creates a federal system of government whereby powers are distributed between a national government and the state governments. This arrangement has seen its share of challenges and changes. Discuss the major eras in American history as they relate to federalism, and describe which level of government appeared to be dominant at each time.

Question 63

The U.S. Supreme Court had played a role in shaping the American system of federalism. Explain the Court's role and influence in each era of federalism. Overall, how has the Supreme Court been utilized over the years in the struggles over federalism?

Question 64

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of federalism. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 65

Compare and contrast the differences between "layer cake federalism" and "marble cake federalism." Use examples to illustrate each form and explain the transition from one to the other.

Question 66

What is meant by the term New Federalism? Discuss this era in comparison with earlier eras, especially regarding the roles of federal and state governments.

Question 67

Analyze the metaphor of Brandeis for creative federalism and the notion that single states may act as "laboratories of democracy." Give examples of how state experiences have indicated to the federal government which policies to adopt and which policies not to adopt.

Question 68

Using contemporary examples, discuss the current state of federalism in the United States.

Question 69

What were the issues involved in McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden? What is the significance of these decisions for understanding the nature of American federalism? Compare and contrast these two cases.

Question 70

Describe the three systems of government: unitary, confederal, and federal. Explain America's experience with each system (under rule by Great Britain, under the Articles of Confederation, and under the current Constitution). How has the relationship between the central-national government and regional-state governments differed in each system?