Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which statement about federal and unitary systems is most accurate?
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?
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?
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?
Which statement about new federalism is not true?
Which is not a merit of cooperative federalism?
Which is not a merit of cooperative federalism?
Which statement about federal grants in recent decades is most accurate?
Which statement about federal grants in recent decades is most accurate?
Which statement about unfunded mandates is false?
Which statement about unfunded mandates is false?
Which statement about immigration federalism is false?
Which statement about immigration federalism is false?
Which statement about the evolution of same-sex marriage is false?
Which statement about the evolution of same-sex marriage is false?
Which statement about venue shopping is true?
Which statement about venue shopping is true?
Which of the following is not a benefit of federalism?
Which of the following is not a benefit of federalism?
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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.
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