Chapter 3: Federalism

Question 1

federalism

Answer 1

Government authority shared by national and local governments.

Question 2

“necessary and proper” clause

Answer 2

Section of the Constitution that allows Congress to pass all laws “necessary and proper” to its duties, and has permitted Congress to exercise powers not specifically given to it (enumerated) by the Constitution.

Question 3

nullification

Answer 3

The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution.

Question 4

dual federalism

Answer 4

Doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states are supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept separate.

Question 5

cooperative federalism

Answer 5

Idea that the federal and state governments share power in many policy area.

Question 6

laboratories of democracy

Answer 6

Idea that different states can implement different policies, and the successful ones will spread.

Question 7

initiative

Answer 7

Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot.

Question 8

referendum

Answer 8

Procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature.

Question 9

recall

Answer 9

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.

Question 10

grants-in-aid

Answer 10

Money given by the national government to the states.

Question 11

categorical grants

Answer 11

Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport.

Question 12

conditions of aid

Answer 12

Terms set by the national government that stated must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds.

Question 13

mandates

Answer 13

Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants.

Question 14

waiver

Answer 14

A decision by an administrative agency granting some other part permission to violate a law or rule that would otherwise apply to it.

Question 15

devolution

Answer 15

The transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments.

Question 16

Over the last half-century, state and local government spending has declined significantly

Answer 16

False

Question 17

The concept of dual federalism grew out of a debate on the issue of the commerce clause.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court ruled that the state of Maryland could not

Answer 18

tax a bank chartered by the national government.

Question 19

Supreme Court has ruled that Congress cannot require local police to conduct background checks on all gun purchasers.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

Many of the powers of the federal government are exercised through the states.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Response to Hurricane Katrina evidenced the various responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments are clear.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

Block grants were intended to give states more freedom in their spending decisions.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

Devolution has resulted in fewer government rules and regulations.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

​__________ is a political system in which the national government shares power with local governments.

Answer 24

Federalism

Question 25

​In a confederation, the national government derives its power from the

Answer 25

states

Question 26

The Civil War settled one part of the issue of national supremacy versus states’ rights, namely, that​

Answer 26

the national government derives its sovereignty from the people.

Question 27

The early chief justice whose decisions generally gave the broadest possible sweep to federal powers was

Answer 27

John Marshall

Question 28

In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court ruled that

Answer 28

the national government could charter banks, & states couldn’t tax them.

Question 29

The interstate commerce that the federal government can regulate has been, until recently, interpreted to include

Answer 29

almost any kind of economic activity.

Question 30

__________ are terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants.​

Answer 30

Mandates

Question 31

This procedure, which is in effect in over 20 states, permits voters to remove an elected official from office.​

Answer 31

recall

Question 32

Of the following, which is NOT considered part of the intergovernmental lobby?​

Answer 32

local gas station owners

Question 33

According to the text, block grants have enjoyed only marginal success, in part because

Answer 33

the federal gov’t increased the number of strings attached to them.

Question 34

The devolution of welfare policy has resulted in

Answer 34

a decrease in welfare rolls.

Question 35

Devolution is the transfer of power from the national government to

Answer 35

state and local governments