Chapter 3

Question 1

Unitary System

Answer 1

A centralized governmental system in which local or subdivisional governments exercise only those powers given to them by the central government

Question 2

Confederal System

Answer 2

A league of independent sovereign states, joined together by a central government that has only limited powers over them

Question 3

Division of Powers

Answer 3

A basic principle by the U.S. Constitution, by which powers are divided between the national and state governments

Question 4

Expressed Powers

Answer 4

Constitutional or statutory powers that are expressly provided for by the U.S. Constitution; also called “enumerated powers”

Question 5

Implied Powers

Answer 5

The powers of the federal government that are implied by the expressed powers in the Constitution, particularly in Article I, Section 8

Question 6

Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer 6

Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, of the Constitution, which gives Congress the power to make all laws “necessary as proper” for the federal government to carry out its responsibilities; also called “the elastic clause”

Question 7

Inherent Powers

Answer 7

The powers of the national government that, although not always expressly granted by the Constitution, are necessary to ensure the nation’s integrity and survival as a political unit; inherent powers include the power to make treaties and the power to wage war or make peace

Question 8

Federalism

Answer 8

A system of shared sovereignty between two levels of government — one national and one subnational — occupying the same geographic region