Question 1

What parts of the Constitution seem to favor a form of federalism in which the national government is more powerful than the state governments? Which parts favor a state-centered system over the national government? If you were a Supreme Court justice, which version of federalism would be most likely to guide your decision making and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What parts of the Constitution seem to...

Question 2

Why is the supremacy clause important?

Accepted Answer

A)   It gives the U.S. Congress the power to regulate commerce.
B)   It resolves conflicts between national and state laws.
C)   It makes clear that each state's laws are to be honored by the other states.
D)   It stipulates that if the national government passes an unconstitutional law, the people of the states are "supreme" and through their state legislatures can declare the law void.
E)   It provides the U.S. Congress with the power to dissolve or to take control of local governments that are in financial distress.F) All of the above
G) A) and E)

Question 3

What role does the Supreme Court play in shaping the balance of power between state and national governments? Drawing on your understanding of the Constitution and the Supreme Court's decisions on federalism, explain how this balance of power operates today. Has the Court leaned too heavily in one direction, or has it struck the right balance? Explain your answer with examples.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court plays a crucial role i...

Question 4

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 is a recent example of how sharp political disagreements often center on questions of federalism. Describe the position of those opposed to the Affordable Care Act. On what grounds do they see the law as unconstitutional? How do defenders of the law respond? How do these arguments relate to federalism? Which argument seems more persuasive and why?

Accepted Answer

Those opposed to the Affordable Care Act...

Question 5

Which of the following is an advantage of giving states flexibility in making policy instead of the federal government imposing policy?

Accepted Answer

A)   State-elected officials are more civil and reasonable toward one another than are members of the U.S. Congress.
B)   It allows states to compete for business, meaning they will have stronger regulation.
C)   It allows for policy experimentation, providing new ideas about how to solve problems.
D)   State officials tend to care more about the average person.
E)   The process is less susceptible to corruption.F) A) and E)
G) B) and E)

Question 6

The power of local governments depends on charters granted to them by:

Accepted Answer

A)   the Constitution.
B)   the national government.
C)   their citizens.
D)   the state governments.
E)   common law and the backing of the federal court system.F) A) and B)
G) C) and D)

Question 7

Which of the following is a reason given in the text to support a limited state role in federalism?

Accepted Answer

A)   Too much state power can create a "race to the bottom."
B)   State governments tend to lack imagination in solving pressing national problems.
C)   State governments tend to be more fiscally irresponsible and rarely balance their budgets.
D)   Most governors have little formal power and therefore cannot lead state government as effectively as can the president of the United States.
E)   Too much state power can create problems for interstate commerce.F) A) and B)
G) A) and C)

Question 8

Since the 1990s, the Supreme Court's principal role has been to:

Accepted Answer

A)   continue expanding federal power.
B)   protect state power.
C)   expand application of the Fourteenth Amendment to the states.
D)   expand civil rights.
E)   limit the power of the president and the executive branch.F) C) and D)
G) A) and B)

Question 9

Explain the facts of the McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) case and what impact that decision had on the institution of federalism in early America. In your opinion, did that decision go too far or not far enough? Explain your answer by discussing the relevance of McCulloch to contemporary issues such as legalization of marijuana and assisted suicide.

Accepted Answer

The case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)...

Question 10

Policy diversity and innovation is an argument in favor of a stronger role for the states.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

The term "New Federalism" refers to:

Accepted Answer

A)   increasing state discretion in spending by using block grants.
B)   decreasing state power by expanding the federal government's regulation of commerce.
C)   increasing state discretion in spending through increased coercive federalism.
D)   increasing federal spending to wage a local "war on poverty."
E)   an effort in the 1970s and 1980s to eliminate all federal grants.F) C) and E)
G) B) and C)

Question 12

The concept of dual federalism envisions what relationship between the federal and state governments?

Accepted Answer

A)   Each of them has some distinct authority but they cooperate in most areas.
B)   Each has distinct areas of authority with very little overlap.
C)   The only way in which the national government influences the states is by providing them with funds.
D)   Federal mandates matter only when the states agree to them.
E)   This complicated, vague concept can take on a "dual" meaning that is adaptable to changing times and circumstances.F) B) and C)
G) A) and E)

Question 13

The debate over federalism has grown increasingly complicated. Select an issue from the following: health care reform, medical marijuana, or assisted suicide. If you selected health care reform, should Congress be able to tell a state that its residents must purchase health care insurance? If you selected medical marijuana or assisted suicide, should Congress be able to tell a state that it cannot allow medical marijuana and assisted suicide? Explain your reasons by drawing on your understanding of the Constitution and the Supreme Court's decisions on federalism.

Accepted Answer

The debate over federalism has indeed be...

Question 14

Which of the following is a doctrine that stipulates that if the national government passes an unconstitutional law, the people of the states can declare the law void?

Accepted Answer

A)   doctrine of states' rights
B)   doctrine of coercive federalism
C)   doctrine of interposition
D)   doctrine of dual federalism
E)   devolutionF) B) and E)
G) D) and E)

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of fiscal federalism?

Accepted Answer

A)   The national government threatens to tax state governments to steer them toward accepting a desired federal policy.
B)   The national government issues federal funds to state governments to encourage states to meet certain policy requirements.
C)   The national government requires states to increase taxes to meet federal mandates.
D)   The national government lends money to the states on a temporary basis.
E)   The national government runs a deficit by spending more money than it takes in from taxpayers.F) All of the above
G) B) and D)

Question 16

Which system is most common among democracies in the world?

Accepted Answer

A)   federal system
B)   confederal system
C)   cooperative system
D)   unitary system
E)   direct democratic systemF) A) and B)
G) C) and D)

Question 17

The picket fence metaphor is an apt description of current American federalism because:

Accepted Answer

A)   different policy areas are "fenced" off from each other by Congressional action and court rulings.
B)   it takes money to make policy, just like it does to build a fence.
C)   policy makers mainly interact with others in the same policy area, regardless of whether they are federal or state employees.
D)   chief executives (mayors, governors, and the president)  have few powers over federalism.
E)   the state and federal governments have clear boundaries, much like two fences on separate properties.F) D) and E)
G) A) and C)

Question 18

In 2012 the Supreme Court found that the Affordable Care Act was entirely constitutional.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Which of the following describes coercive federalism?

Accepted Answer

A)   The national government shares decision-making power with the state governments, but the states agree to accept less money.
B)   The national government issues federal funds to state governments to encourage states to meet certain policy requirements.
C)   The national government uses regulations and mandates to make state governments change their policies.
D)   The national government restricts the powers of state governments to tax and toSpend money.
E)   The national government becomes a unitary system.F) D) and E)
G) None of the above

Question 20

Which aspect of the Constitution points toward a nation-centered perspective?

Accepted Answer

A)   use of the electoral college
B)   provisions for national security
C)   delegated powers clauses
D)   the Tenth Amendment
E)   There are no aspects of the Constitution that point toward a nation-centered perspective.F) C) and E)
G) All of the above

Exam 3: Federalism

Which system is most common among democracies in the world?

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Which of the following describes coercive federalism?

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The debate over federalism has indeed be...
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The picket fence metaphor is an apt description of current American federalism because:

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Which of the following is a doctrine that stipulates that if the national government passes an unconstitutional law, the people of the states can declare the law void?

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Which of the following is an example of fiscal federalism?

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In 2012 the Supreme Court found that the Affordable Care Act was entirely constitutional.

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Which of the following is an advantage of giving states flexibility in making policy instead of the federal government imposing policy?

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The term "New Federalism" refers to:

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Correct Answer
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Those opposed to the Affordable Care Act...
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Which aspect of the Constitution points toward a nation-centered perspective?

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Which of the following is a reason given in the text to support a limited state role in federalism?

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Correct Answer
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The Supreme Court plays a crucial role i...
View Answer

Correct Answer
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Policy diversity and innovation is an argument in favor of a stronger role for the states.

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Since the 1990s, the Supreme Court's principal role has been to:

Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)...
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Why is the supremacy clause important?

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The concept of dual federalism envisions what relationship between the federal and state governments?

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The power of local governments depends on charters granted to them by:

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Exam 3: Federalism

Which system is most common among democracies in the world?

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Which of the following describes coercive federalism?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThe debate over federalism has indeed be...View AnswerShow Answer

The picket fence metaphor is an apt description of current American federalism because:

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Which of the following is a doctrine that stipulates that if the national government passes an unconstitutional law, the people of the states can declare the law void?

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Which of the following is an example of fiscal federalism?

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In 2012 the Supreme Court found that the Affordable Care Act was entirely constitutional.

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Which of the following is an advantage of giving states flexibility in making policy instead of the federal government imposing policy?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The term "New Federalism" refers to:

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Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThose opposed to the Affordable Care Act...View AnswerShow Answer

Which aspect of the Constitution points toward a nation-centered perspective?

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Which of the following is a reason given in the text to support a limited state role in federalism?

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Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThe Supreme Court plays a crucial role i...View AnswerShow Answer

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Policy diversity and innovation is an argument in favor of a stronger role for the states.

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Since the 1990s, the Supreme Court's principal role has been to:

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Correct AnswerAnswered by ExamLex AIThe case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)...View AnswerShow Answer

Why is the supremacy clause important?

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The concept of dual federalism envisions what relationship between the federal and state governments?

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The power of local governments depends on charters granted to them by:

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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The debate over federalism has indeed be...
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
Those opposed to the Affordable Care Act...
View Answer

Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
verified

Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role i...
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
Answered by ExamLex AI
The case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)...
View Answer

Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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Correct Answer
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