PSCI 180: American Government

Questions and Answers

Which statement about federal and unitary systems is most accurate?

In a federal system, the constitution allocates powers between states and federal government. (correct)

In a federal system, powers are lodged in the national government.

Unitary systems are more democratic than federal systems.

Both systems create equal levels of autonomy for state governments.

Which statement is most accurate about the sources of revenue for local and state governments?

All revenue comes from sales taxes.

Local governments do not receive any state funding.

Local and state governments rely solely on taxes for revenue.

Between 30 and 40 percent of their revenue comes from grant money. (correct)

What key constitutional provisions define the scope of authority of the federal and state governments?

Article I, Section 8; supremacy clause of Article VI; Tenth Amendment; Article I, Sections 9 and 10; Bill of Rights; Fourteenth Amendment; civil rights amendments.

What are concurrent powers?

Shared state and federal powers that include taxing, borrowing, making and enforcing laws, and establishing court systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ex post facto law?

A law that criminalizes an act retroactively; prohibited under the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is federalism?

An institutional arrangement creating two levels of government with authority granted by the national constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unitary system?

A centralized system of government where subnational government is dependent on the central government. Signup and view all the answers

What were the implications of McCulloch v. Maryland for federalism?

Established the doctrine of implied powers and affirmed national supremacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is cooperative federalism?

A style of federalism where both levels of government work together to solve national problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is dual federalism?

A style of federalism where states and national government have exclusive authority in separate jurisdictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is new federalism?

A style of federalism focused on decentralizing policies to enhance efficiency and reduce spending. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about federal grants in recent decades is most accurate?

The amount of federal grant money has steadily increased since the 1960s. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about unfunded mandates is false?

New federalism promotes the use of unfunded mandates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a block grant?

A type of grant with less stringent federal conditions, providing more discretion over fund allocation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a categorical grant?

A federal transfer limiting recipients' discretion in fund usage with strict criteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is creeping categorization?

The process where the national government adds new requirements to block grants or replaces them with categorical grants. Signup and view all the answers

What are unfunded mandates?

Federal laws that impose obligations on state governments without providing full compensation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about federal and unitary systems is the most accurate?

In a federal system, powers are shared between states and the national government. Signup and view all the answers

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court invoked which provisions of the constitution?

Necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about new federalism is not true?

President Reagan consistently promoted new federalism throughout his administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a merit of cooperative federalism?

It respects traditional jurisdictional boundaries between states and the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a benefit of federalism?

Federalism encourages economic equality across the country. Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are concurrent powers of the federal government and state government except _____

provide for public health, safety, welfare, and morals. Signup and view all the answers

What clause in the Constitution makes an adoption certificate valid in any state?

Full faith and credit clause. Signup and view all the answers

A federal structure of government aims to balance the power between the national and state governments. The United States perfectly demonstrates this principle as there has been a clear balance of power between the federal government and the state governments since the founding of our nation.

False Signup and view all the answers

_____ are federal laws and regulations that impose obligations on state and local governments without fully compensating them for the administrative costs they incur.

Unfunded mandates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federal and Unitary Systems

Federal systems allocate powers constitutionally between states and the federal government.
In unitary systems, power is centralized in the national government.

Revenue Sources for Local and State Governments

30 to 40 percent of revenue for local and state governments derives from grant money.

Authority of Federal and State Governments

Federal and state powers outlined in:
- Article I, Section 8 (federal powers)
- Supremacy Clause (Article VI)
- Tenth Amendment (state powers)
Limitations on authority specified in:
- Article I, Sections 9 and 10
- Bill of Rights
- Fourteenth Amendment
- Civil Rights Amendments

Concurrent Powers

Shared powers include taxing, borrowing, law-making, and establishing court systems.

Ex Post Facto Law

Refers to laws that criminalize actions retroactively, which are prohibited by the Constitution.

Federalism

An arrangement creating two autonomous levels of government, both with direct authority over people.

Unitary System

A centralized government structure where lower levels depend on the central authority, emphasizing concentration of power.

Implications of McCulloch v. Maryland

Established doctrine of implied powers for the federal government to create necessary policies.
Affirmed national supremacy, reinforcing federal law over state law.

Cooperative Federalism

Characterized by coordination between state and federal governments to address national issues, resembling a marble cake structure.

Dual Federalism

Defined by distinct spheres of authority where states and national government operate independently, compared to a layer-cake model.

New Federalism

Advocates for decentralization to enhance efficiency, cut public spending, and improve outcomes.

Federal Grants Trends

Federal grant funding to states has increased steadily since the 1960s.

Unfunded Mandates

Imposed federal obligations on state/local governments without complete financial reimbursement for implementation costs.

Block Grant

A form of funding with fewer federal restrictions that allow more flexibility in spending allocation.

Categorical Grant

Targeted federal funds with strict rules on usage and detailed administrative control.

Creeping Categorization

Process where the national government adds new conditions to block grants or replaces them with categorical grants.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Ensures that legal documents, like adoption certificates or driver’s licenses, issued in one state are recognized in other states.

Federal Structure Misconception

The claim that there has been a perfect balance of power between federal and state governments since the nation's founding is false.

Economic Equality and Federalism

Federalism does not inherently promote economic equality across the country.

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Description

Test your knowledge of federal and unitary systems and the sources of revenue for local and state governments with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of PSCI 180: American Government, providing an engaging way to reinforce your understanding of important governmental structures.

PSCI 180: American Government - Ch. 3 Flashcards