Federalism and Constitutional Powers Overview

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?

tenth Signup and view all the answers

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

concurrent 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.

police Signup and view all the answers

The full faith and credit clause of the Constitution requires?

states to honor each other's public acts and legal decisions 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?

reserved Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment?

to limit the powers of the federal government by reserving certain powers to the states and to the people Signup and view all the answers

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

concurrent Signup and view all the answers

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

37 Signup and view all the answers

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

the Fourteenth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

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

necessary and proper Signup and view all the answers

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

Since the Founding, there has been considerable debate about the allocation of responsibilities between the states and the federal government Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government writes the majority of criminal laws?

the state governments Signup and view all the answers

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

the commerce clause Signup and view all the answers

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

The court limited the power of the national government over the state governments Signup and view all the answers

Which president presided over the New Deal?

Franklin Roosevelt Signup and view all the answers

Block grants are designed to?

give the states considerable discretion in how funds from the federal government should be spent 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.

categorical Signup and view all the answers

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

state governments could decline to expand Medicaid coverage without losing their existing Medicaid funds from the federal government Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about contemporary America is true?

About half of all state governments have legalized medical marijuana Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about American federalism is true?

Liberals tend to prefer a strong federal government because they value equality more than liberty Signup and view all the answers

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

The federal government has the power to regulate the use of medicinal marijuana under the commerce clause Signup and view all the answers

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.

Current Trends and Statistics

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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Description

Explore the concepts of federalism, powers defined by the U.S. Constitution, and significant amendments that shape governance in the United States. This quiz covers the division of authority between national and state governments, key powers, and judicial interpretations of these principles.