Key Concepts of Federalism Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is federalism?

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

What are unitary governments?

A way of organizing a nation so that all power resides in the central government.

What are intergovernmental relations?

The workings of the federal system involving interactions among national, state, and local governments.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Article VI of the Constitution that makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 10th Amendment state?

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?

It established the key concepts of implied powers and the supremacy of the national government. Signup and view all the answers

Define enumerated powers.

Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers?

Powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Elastic Clause?

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that allows Congress to make all laws necessary and proper. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Gibbons v. Ogden?

It affirmed that Congress has control over interstate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the full faith and credit clause?

The Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. Signup and view all the answers

What is extradition?

A legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by one state to another. Signup and view all the answers

What are privileges and immunities?

Citizens of each state must receive privileges and immunities of other states, prohibiting discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What is dual federalism?

A system where federal and state governments have defined responsibilities in their own spheres. Signup and view all the answers

What is cooperative federalism?

System where federal and state governments help each other perform governmental duties. Signup and view all the answers

What is fiscal federalism?

It involves various grant programs that complicate the relationships between government levels. Signup and view all the answers

What are categorical grants?

Federal grants used only for specific purposes or categories of spending. Signup and view all the answers

What are project grants?

Grant programs in which state and local governments submit proposals for competitive funding. Signup and view all the answers

What are formula grants?

A type of categorical grant given based on a predetermined formula without requiring an application. Signup and view all the answers

What are block grants?

Federal grants given to states or communities to support broad programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Commerce Clause?

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

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Federalism

Federalism: Power is shared between national and state governments, allowing for a division of responsibilities and authority.
Unitary Governments: Centralized power structure where all authority is held by the national government; prevalent in many countries today.

Intergovernmental Relations

Intergovernmental Relations: Refers to the interactions between national, state, and local governments within the federal system.

Constitutional Provisions

Supremacy Clause: Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws when the federal government acts within its constitutional authority.
10th Amendment: Reserves powers not granted to the federal government for states or the people, defining the limits of federal authority.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland: A 1819 Supreme Court decision affirming implied powers and establishing the supremacy of national government authority.
Gibbons v. Ogden: A significant 1824 ruling emphasizing Congress's exclusive right to regulate interstate commerce, reinforcing national authority.

Types of Powers

Enumerated Powers: Specific powers granted to Congress, such as taxation, currency regulation, and war declaration.
Implied Powers: Powers not explicitly stated but inferred from the necessary and proper clause, enabling Congress to implement its functions effectively.
Elastic Clause: Allows Congress to make laws deemed necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

Interactions Between States

Full Faith and Credit: States must honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states, promoting legal uniformity and respect.
Extradition: Legal process that allows a state to transfer an accused individual to another state where the crime was committed.
Privileges and Immunities: Ensures that citizens of each state receive the same privileges as citizens of other states, prohibiting discrimination.

Federalism Models

Dual Federalism: Divides responsibilities clearly between federal and state governments; characterized as "layer cake" federalism.
Cooperative Federalism: Federal and state governments collaborate on various functions, likened to "marble-cake" federalism; prevalent in contemporary governance.
Fiscal Federalism: Describes the financial relations between government levels, influenced by various grant programs that complicate jurisdictional roles.

Types of Grants

Categorical Grants: Federal funds allocated for specific purposes with restrictions, often requiring particular compliance (e.g., anti-discrimination).
Project Grants: Competitive funding provided to states and localities based on submitted project proposals.
Formula Grants: Non-competitive funding distributed based on a predetermined formula relative to state needs.
Block Grants: Broad federal funds allocated to states or communities with fewer restrictions, supporting general program areas like community development.

Commerce and Federal Authority

Commerce Clause: Grants Congress the power to regulate commerce across state lines and with other nations, a cornerstone of federal economic authority.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental principles of federalism, including the division of powers between national and state governments. Dive into crucial constitutional provisions and landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the federal system. This quiz covers essential concepts that are vital for understanding intergovernmental relations.