Federal and Unitary Systems Quiz & Immigration Federalism

Questions and Answers

Which statement about federal and unitary systems is most accurate?

The United States and Japan have federal systems, while Great Britain and Canada have unitary systems.

In a federal system, the constitution allocates powers between states and federal government; in a unitary system, powers are lodged in the national government. (correct)

In a federal system, power is concentrated in the states; in a unitary system, it is concentrated in the national government.

Today there are more countries with federal systems than with unitary systems.

Which statement is most accurate about the sources of revenue for local and state governments?

Local and state governments generate an equal amount of revenue from issuing licenses and certificates.

Between 30 and 40 percent of the revenue for local and state governments comes from grant money. (correct)

Property taxes generate the most tax revenue for both local and state governments.

Taxes generate well over one-half the total revenue of local and state governments.

In McCulloh vs. Maryland, the Supreme Court invoked which provisions of the Constitution?

Necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause (correct)

Taxing power and necessary and proper clause

Tenth Amendment and spending clause

Commerce clause and supremacy clause

Which statement about new federalism is not true?

President Reagan was able to promote new federalism consistently throughout his administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a merit of cooperative federalism?

Cooperative federalism respects the traditional jurisdictional boundaries between states and federal government. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about federal grants in recent decades is most accurate?

The amount of federal grant money going to states has steadily increased since the 1960s. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about unfunded mandates is false?

New federalism does not promote the use of unfunded mandates. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about immigration federalism is false?

The Arizona v. United States decision struck down all Arizona's most restrictive provisions on illegal immigration. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the evolution of same-sex marriage is false?

United States v. Windsor legalized same-sex marriage in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about venue shopping is true?

None of the statements are correct. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a benefit of federalism?

Federalism encourages economic equality across the country. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federal and Unitary Systems

Federal systems distribute powers between states and a national government, while unitary systems centralize authority in the national government.
In a federal structure, the constitution explicitly allocates responsibilities.

Revenue Sources for Local and State Governments

Taxes account for over half of local and state government revenues.
Grant money constitutes 30-40% of the revenue for these governments.

McCulloh vs. Maryland

The Supreme Court case invoked the necessary and proper clause and the supremacy clause, affirming federal power.

New Federalism

Initiated by Nixon and continued by Reagan, this approach advocates for decentralization to enhance efficiency.
The logic of new federalism was supported in United States v. Lopez.
Reagan’s promotion of new federalism was not consistent throughout his presidency.

Cooperative Federalism

Federal cooperation alleviates state collective action problems and promotes positive externalities.
Cooperative federalism does not strictly uphold traditional jurisdictional boundaries, allowing overlap between state and federal responsibilities.

Federal Grants

Since the 1960s, the federal grant money to states has increased steadily, aiding various state functions.
A majority of these grants are in the form of block grants, which offer flexibility for states.

Unfunded Mandates

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act restricts Congress's power to enact unfunded mandates.
New federalism, contrary to an earlier assumption, does still promote the use of unfunded mandates.

Immigration Federalism

Arizona v. United States partially invalidated restrictive state immigration laws, highlighting the tension between state and federal powers in immigration policy.
States have increased their engagement in immigration policy since the 1990s, often in response to federal inaction or to protect public service access.

Same-Sex Marriage Evolution

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) marked federal involvement in the same-sex marriage debate.
U.S. Supreme Court cases shaped the legality and acceptance of same-sex marriage, with major decisions occurring leading up to nationwide legalization in 2015.

Venue Shopping

Advocacy groups, including MADD and anti-abortion proponents, have attempted to influence the direction of policy by shifting their focus between state and federal levels, but none of the summarized statements on venue shopping are correct.

Benefits of Federalism

Federalism promotes political engagement and allows diverse opinions to coexist.
While it creates multiple government action levels, it does not encourage economic equality across the country.

Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between federal and unitary systems of government, revenue sources for local and state governments, and key Supreme Court cases like McCulloh vs. Maryland. Explore the concept of new federalism and cooperative federalism as part of your learning.