Federal Systems of Government and Grants

Questions and Answers

What type of government system has a strong national government with power derived from it?

Confederate system

Dual federalism

Unitary system (correct)

Federal system

What is the definition of a Federal system?

System of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

What does the Confederate system entail?

A system of government with a very weak central government and strong states.

What is meant by Grant-in-aid?

How the national government gives out money to states. Signup and view all the answers

What are Block grants?

Types of grant-in-aid that serve general purposes with little restriction on use. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Categorical grants?

They serve a specific purpose and have strict restrictions on use. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Revenue-sharing grant?

A type of grant-in-aid that distributes money among states with no restrictions. Signup and view all the answers

Define Referendum.

A state-level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What are Delegated Powers?

Powers specifically given to the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Supremacy clause?

Article VI of the Constitution that establishes the supremacy of national laws over state laws. Signup and view all the answers

What are Mandates?

Federal rules that states must follow. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Cooperative federalism.

Cooperation among federal, state, and local governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sovereignty?

Supremacy or ultimate political authority. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 10th amendment state?

It gives rights not delegated to the national government to the states. Signup and view all the answers

Define Necessary and proper clause.

A clause that allows Congress to pass any laws deemed necessary to fulfill its constitutional powers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dual Federalism refer to?

A system where state and federal governments operate in separate spheres. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Initiative?

A procedure by which citizens can propose new laws. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Recall process.

A process by which voters can remove elected officials from office. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Full faith and credit clause?

Section of the Constitution that requires states to honor each other's legal acts. Signup and view all the answers

What are Reserved Powers?

Powers given to states that are not delegated to the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Commerce Clause?

A clause that gives Congress the power to regulate business activities across state lines. Signup and view all the answers

What does Devolution refer to?

The act of transferring functions from the national government to states. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federal Systems of Government

Federal system: Power divided between national and state governments; exemplified by the USA with a national government and individual state governments.
Confederate system: Weak central government, strong state control; originally seen in the 13 colonies under the Articles of Confederation.
Unitary system: Local governments derive authority from a strong national government; seen in the UK, where regional parliaments are subordinate to the national Parliament.

Types of Grants

Grant-in-aid: Federal funding to states for specific projects; e.g., Congress funding California to build railroads.
Block grants: Broad-purpose grants with fewer restrictions; e.g., funding for various infrastructure projects in Florida.
Categorical grants: Specific-purpose funds with strict spending guidelines; e.g., federal funding for educational resources like textbooks.
Revenue-sharing grants: Unrestricted federal funds distributed to states based on formulas like GDP and population; e.g., equitable distribution among states.

Legislative Processes

Referendum: Direct voter approval for proposed laws or amendments, allowing citizen participation in legislation.
Initiative: Citizens' right to propose new laws or amendments, enabling grassroots legislative change.
Recall: Voter process for removing elected officials from office based on performance or competency concerns.

Powers and Authorities

Delegated Powers: Powers exclusively held by the national government, such as coining money.
Supremacy clause: Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws override conflicting state laws within constitutional limits.
Mandates: Required federal rules that states must follow regardless of funding.
Sovereignty: Supreme political authority vested in the Constitution, ensuring federal supremacy.

Federalism and Governance

Cooperative federalism: Collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, represented as "marble cake" federalism.
Dual Federalism: Distinct separation of responsibilities for state and federal governments, exemplified by state control over intrastate commerce.
Necessary and proper clause: Grants Congress the power to enact laws deemed necessary for fulfilling its duties, forming the basis for implied powers.
Reserved Powers: Powers not granted to the national government, retained by the states, such as making laws regarding marriage.
Commerce Clause: Grants Congress authority to regulate interstate commerce; significant in cases like Gibbons v. Ogden concerning river trade.

Evolution of Federalism

Devolution (New Federalism): The transfer of responsibilities from the national government to the states, allowing for greater local autonomy and flexibility in fund allocation.

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Description

This quiz explores the different federal systems of government, including the distinctions between federal, confederate, and unitary systems. Additionally, it covers various types of federal grants, such as grant-in-aid, block grants, and categorical grants, providing insight into their purposes and restrictions.