National vs State Government Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Delegated powers are powers given specifically to the federal government by the Constitution.

True

Reserved powers are powers that are reserved for the federal government.

False

What is one benefit of a federalist system?

It gives most control over the government to the Congress.

Between 1860 and the 1930s, three __________ gave the federal government some control over people's lives.

amendments to the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Article VI of the US Constitution says that the Constitution is the '__________ Law of the Land.'

Supreme Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between delegated, concurrent, and reserved powers?

Delegated powers are given to the federal government; concurrent powers are shared by both federal and state governments; reserved powers are given to the states. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of amending a state constitution.

Initiatives and referendums deal with how an amendment to a state constitution is put on the ballot for the people to vote on. Signup and view all the answers

What is the supremacy clause?

The supremacy clause states that the US Constitution is 'the Supreme Law of the Land.' Signup and view all the answers

What is a federalist system?

A system in which the federal judicial system and state judicial systems operate independently of each other. Signup and view all the answers

What are delegated powers?

Powers specifically given to the federal government by the US Constitution, for example, the authority to print money. Signup and view all the answers

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by the national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

What are reserved powers?

Powers given to the state government alone. Signup and view all the answers

What is dual federalism?

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres. Signup and view all the answers

What is cooperative federalism?

A system of government in which powers and policy assignments are shared between states and the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What is an initiative?

A procedure by which voters can propose a law or a constitutional amendment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 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

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Government Powers

Delegated Powers: Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution, including the authority to declare war, create post offices, control interstate trade, and print currency.
Reserved Powers: Powers exclusively held by state governments, contrasting with delegated powers.
Concurrent Powers: Authority shared by both federal and state governments, allowing for collaborative governance.

Federalist System Overview

A federalist system allows for independence between federal and state judicial systems, promoting checks and balances.
Benefits include dispersing power, enhancing governance at multiple levels, and accommodating diverse state interests.

Constitutional Amendments and Processes

Between 1860 and the 1930s, several constitutional amendments increased federal jurisdiction over individuals’ lives.
The process of amending a state constitution often involves initiatives and referendums, enabling public participation.

Supremacy Clause

The supremacy clause, located in Article VI of the Constitution, establishes the Constitution as the "Supreme Law of the Land."
This principle mandates that all laws at federal, state, and local levels must conform to the Constitution's framework.

Federalism Types

Dual Federalism: Powers remain distinct and supreme within their respective domains, with both state and national governments having clear responsibilities.
Cooperative Federalism: Characterized by shared powers and responsibilities between state and national governments, including joint funding and administration of programs.

Legislative Mechanisms

Initiative: A process empowering voters to propose new laws or constitutional amendments.
Referendum: Allows voters to approve or reject proposed legislation or constitutional amendments at the state level.

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of the distinctions between national and state government powers. It covers key concepts like delegated and reserved powers, as well as the benefits of a federalist system. Test your knowledge on these fundamental principles of governance.