Chapter 4 Flashcards
How has the balance of power between the federal government and state governments in the U.S. Federalist system varied over time?
Federal power has consistently increased over state governments.
How did the Framers of the Constitution work to prevent an individual or part of the government from accumulating too much power?
By creating a limited form of government through federalism and separation of powers.
What is the implication of federal legislation being binding in every state?
It limits the power of state governments to make their own policy choices.
Which of the following best describes a federal system of government?
Power is distributed between a central government and smaller governmental divisions.
What was the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?
It resolved the question of balancing power between the federal government and states, establishing national supremacy.
According to the Federalist Papers, what role were the state governments expected to play under the U.S. Constitution?
They were expected to oversee affairs concerning the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State.
What is the primary advantage o f a federal system of government?
It reduces the risk of tyranny because of divided governmental power.
Which of the following is NOT a key feature of a federal system of governance?
One level of government (either federal or state) can abolish the other.
Which type of power is an example of the power to establish local public schools?
Reserved powers.
Federations
A political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government.
Police Power
Powers inherent in a sovereign government (such as a state government) to regulate the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens.
Unitary System
A form of government in which power is placed in a central or national government.
Enumerated powers
Powers that the constitution delegates exclusively to the national government, which states cannot exercise
Necessary and Proper Clause
A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which gives congress the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the other powers list in this section.
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by the national government and the states
