Federalism: Powers Divided Quiz

Questions and Answers

Why did the Framers choose federalism?

To prevent government abuses of power.

What is federalism?

A system of government with a division of power between the national government and state governments.

What does the term federalism refer to?

A government system in which power is divided between the national and the state governments.

What does division of power mean?

The constitutional provisions by which government powers are divided between the national government and the states. Signup and view all the answers

The Framers established a federalist system of government to _____.

prevent government abuses of power. Signup and view all the answers

What are the powers of the federal government?

Delegated powers created by the Constitution, including expressed, implied, and inherent powers. Signup and view all the answers

What are delegated powers?

Those powers—expressed, implied, or inherent—granted to the national government by the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers?

Powers of the national government that are suggested by the expressed powers set out in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are inherent powers?

Powers the Constitution is presumed to have given to the national government because it is the government of a sovereign state. Signup and view all the answers

What powers are denied to the federal government?

Certain powers listed in Article I, Section 9, and in the 1st through 8th amendments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federalism Overview

Framers of the Constitution opted for federalism to prevent the concentration of power and potential abuses, a reaction against British governmental authority.
Federalism involves a division of powers between national and state governments, allowing both to operate with their own agencies and legislative powers.

Definition of Federalism

Federalism is defined as a government system with power shared between multiple levels, particularly national and state governments.
The U.S. Constitution outlines this division, giving each level unique powers and responsibilities.
This approach promotes local action in community matters while enabling national governance on significant issues.

Powers of the Federal Government

The federal government possesses delegated powers, which are derived from the Constitution and categorized as expressed, implied, and inherent.
Expressed powers are explicitly detailed in the Constitution, primarily in Article I, Section 8, allowing Congress roles such as taxation, declaring war, and coining money.
Implied powers are not directly stated but are inferred from expressed powers, supported by the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18.
Inherent powers arise from the U.S. being a sovereign entity, granting it abilities like regulating immigration and protecting the nation.

Examples of Powers

Congress uses its expressed power over interstate commerce to enact various implied powers, such as prohibiting racial discrimination and establishing the interstate highway system.
Inherent powers enable the government to regulate essential functions related to sovereignty, not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Powers Denied to the Federal Government

Certain powers are expressly denied to the federal government to maintain the balance of federalism, primarily outlined in Article I, Section 9, and the first eight amendments of the Constitution.

Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of federalism as intended by the Framers of the United States Constitution. This quiz explores the division of powers between national and state governments, and the rationale behind the federal system. Learn why this structure was preferred over the British model of governance.