Federalism and Constitutional Powers Overview

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Questions and Answers

Federalism is best defined as a system of government?

  • where member nations meet in a multinational conference
  • in which power is divided between a national government and lower level governments (correct)
  • in which the national government is funded through direct taxation of local governments
  • in which authority is divided into separate branches and each individual branch is given some power over the other branches

The specific powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S Constitution are called the ______ powers.

expressed

In a federal system, governmental responsibilities are?

  • shared by both state and federal governments (correct)
  • under the complete authority of local governments
  • under the complete authority of state government
  • under the complete authority of the federal government

Which amendment preserves a strong role for the states in the American federal republic?

<p>tenth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

______ powers exist when both the state and national governments share authority in certain domains.

<p>concurrent</p> Signup and view all the answers

A state government's authority to regulate the safety, health, and morals of its citizens is called the ____ power.

<p>police</p> Signup and view all the answers

The full faith and credit clause of the Constitution requires?

<p>states to honor each other's public acts and legal decisions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which powers derived from the Tenth Amendment are neither delegated to the national government nor denied to the states?

<p>reserved (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment?

<p>to limit the powers of the federal government by reserving certain powers to the states and to the people (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ability to charter banks is an example of a ______.

<p>concurrent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, ______ states recognized same-sex marriage.

<p>37 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which constitutional provision was most important in determining the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)?

<p>the Fourteenth Amendment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clause is the source of implied powers under the U.S Constitution?

<p>necessary and proper (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the history of American federalism?

<p>Since the Founding, there has been considerable debate about the allocation of responsibilities between the states and the federal government (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government writes the majority of criminal laws?

<p>the state governments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clause of the U.S Constitution has been important in allowing the growth of national power?

<p>the commerce clause (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Supreme Court's decisions about federalism during the 1990s?

<p>The court limited the power of the national government over the state governments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which president presided over the New Deal?

<p>Franklin Roosevelt (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Block grants are designed to?

<p>give the states considerable discretion in how funds from the federal government should be spent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A federal grant to states to assist in the building of new public schools is an example of a _______ grant.

<p>categorical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a decision on the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court rules that?

<p>state governments could decline to expand Medicaid coverage without losing their existing Medicaid funds from the federal government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about contemporary America is true?

<p>About half of all state governments have legalized medical marijuana (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about American federalism is true?

<p>Liberals tend to prefer a strong federal government because they value equality more than liberty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the 2005 Supreme Court ruling on medicinal marijuana?

<p>The federal government has the power to regulate the use of medicinal marijuana under the commerce clause (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Federalism

  • Federalism divides power between a national government and lower-level governments, allowing for shared authority.
  • Concurrent powers are those shared by both state and national governments.
  • The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the national government to the states and the people.

Powers Defined

  • Expressed powers are specifically granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Implied powers arise from the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing for flexibility in government authority.
  • Reserved powers are specifically set aside for state governments.

Important Constitutional Amendments

  • The Tenth Amendment is crucial for limiting federal power and preserving state authority in governance.
  • The Fourteenth Amendment played a significant role in the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, reinforcing due process and equal protection rights.

Judicial Interpretations of Federalism

  • The Supreme Court has fluctuated in its approach to federalism, at times expanding federal powers while limiting state powers.
  • Key rulings, such as Obergefell v. Hodges, showcase how judicial decisions impact the interpretation and application of federalism.

Financial Dynamics

  • Block grants provide states with discretion in spending federal funds, promoting local governance.
  • Categorical grants are specific funding allocated for particular projects, such as school construction.

Specific Cases and Decisions

  • Prior to 2015, 37 states recognized same-sex marriage, illustrating the variance in state governance.
  • In decisions regarding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, states have the authority to decline expansions without losing existing funding.
  • Approximately half of U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana, reflecting shifts in state legislative powers.
  • Same-sex marriage has been legalized in all states since the 2015 Supreme Court ruling.

Political Perspectives

  • Liberals generally favor a strong federal government emphasizing equality, whereas conservatives often lean towards advocating for state autonomy and limited federal intervention.
  • The debate over federal versus state powers remains a significant theme in American politics, reflecting differences in priorities over liberty and equality.

Supreme Court Impact

  • Significant cases, including those related to medicinal marijuana and the Affordable Care Act, underscore the evolving nature of federalism in the U.S.
  • Judicial interpretation of clauses such as the commerce clause has far-reaching implications for state and federal power dynamics.

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