Midterm Review Questions- Chapter 3- AP Government
What is federalism? -A system in which the power is distributed to individuals without a central government -A system that divides power between the state and national governments -A system where the state governments have most of the power -A system in which the central government has all of the power over the states
-A system that divides power between the state and national governments
Which state permits the use of marijuana for recreational purposes? -Colorado -Idaho -Kansas -South Dakota
-Colorado
After the Revolutionary War, but prior to the adoption of the Constitution, the United States was under which system of government? -Confederal -Federal -Monarchy -Unitary
-Confederal
Many Americans believed that the federal law might shift to favor the legalization of medical marijuana under which president? -Donald Trump -George W. Bush -Bill Clinton -Barack Obama
-Donald Trump
The provision that anyone born in the United States is an American citizen can be found in the -Fifteenth Amendment -Thirteenth Amendment -Tenth Amendment -Fourteenth Amendment
-Fourteenth Amendment
A student is asked to provide an example of a Supreme Court case that highlights the conflicts that arise between state and federal governments when it comes to the system of federalism in America. Which Supreme Court case should the student name as the BEST example? -Loving v. Virginia -Gonzales v. Raich -McCulloch v. Maryland -Plessy v. Ferguson
-Gonzales v. Raich
Which argument did the Drug Enforcement Agency make at the Supreme Court to justify their actions against Diane Monson? -It stated that their actions were in accordance with federal law and their authority. -It stated that enforcing federal law was violating actions that were legal in California. -It argued that states do not have the authority to make laws that contradict federal laws. -It argued that the California law legalizing marijuana use was unconstitutional.
-It stated that their actions were in accordance with federal law and their authority.
Which amendment of the United States Constitution might a Supreme Court Justice reference when deciding on a case that they believe would otherwise grant Congress too much authority over the states? -The Tenth Amendment -The Fifteenth Amendment -The First Amendment -The Thirteenth Amendment
-The Tenth Amendment
Which measures are included in the Constitution that establish the American system of federalism? -The commerce clause and enumerated powers -The supremacy clause and the necessary and proper clause -The Tenth Amendment and concurrent powers -The necessary and proper clause and implied powers
-The Tenth Amendment and concurrent powers
Suppose that the Civil War has just ended and some plantation owners in Georgia are still engaged in the trade and exploitation of enslaved African Americans. Georgia is in direct violation of which amendment? -The Thirteenth Amendment -The Fourteenth Amendment -The Sixteenth Amendment -The Fifteenth Amendment
-The Thirteenth Amendment
Which part of the Constitution did Chief Justice John Marshall cite in justification of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland? -The full faith and credit clause -The privileges and immunities clause -The necessary and proper clause -The commerce clause
-The necessary and proper clause
Which was a function of the Social Security Act of 1935? -To provide assistance programs to the elderly -To provide those in need with universal health care -To provide all Americans with a basic income -To provide jobs for those who are unemployed
-To provide assistance programs to the elderly
Cuba is a Communist dictatorship run by a single leader, where the citizens have no say in how the country is run. Cuba is an example of which system of government? -Unitary -Democratic -Federal -Confederal
-Unitary
Suppose the Department of Energy has decided to provide funds to state governments for the purpose of researching, establishing, and implementing any number of clean energy sources in any way the state sees fit. This is an example of -revenue sharing. -devolution. -a block grant. -a categorical grant.
-a block grant.
A state that sets its own testing standards and develops its own curriculum standards for education without any direction or interference from the national government is an example of -dual federalism. -cooperative federalism. -selective incorporation. -separate but equal.
-dual federalism.
Suppose that in an upcoming presidential election, a state that historically votes Democratic has decided to leave the Independent candidate off the ballot. This is an example of the state exercising its -enumerated powers. -implied powers. -reserved powers. -concurrent powers.
-reserved powers.
An increasing federal deficit will likely put an end to -categorical grants. -revenue sharing. -unfunded mandates. -devolution.
-revenue sharing.
Which of the following pairs of statements correctly describes both federal and unitary systems? Federal Unitary a. Powers of the states are expressly defined in the Constitution. The vague language of the Constitution limits the power of the national government. b. Most of the power is given to the state governments. The national government shares power with state governments. c. The national government has most of the power. The national government has all of the power, and there are no state governments. d. Power is constitutionally shared between the national and state governments. The national government may grant certain powers to the states. B C A D
D
Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 on the basis that the commerce clause in the Constitution permitted them to regulate the transaction and transport of goods across state lines, including drugs and harmful substances. This is an example of Congress exercising its -supreme powers. -implied powers. -confederal powers. -expressed powers.
-expressed powers.
Suppose it is 2019 and a same-sex couple has decided to move to a different state to be closer to family. After they move, they find that the state they have moved to refuses to recognize their marriage. The state is in clear violation of the -Supreme Court's decision on Obergefell v. Hodges. -Defense of Marriage Act. -full faith and credit clause of the Constitution. -Supreme Court's decision on United States v. Windsor.
-full faith and credit clause of the Constitution.
President Richard Nixon attempted to reduce the authority of the national government by -increasing revenue sharing. -funding policies with block grants. -decreasing the amount of devolution. -providing more categorical grants.
-funding policies with block grants.
Exclusive powers can be defined as powers that are -granted to the national government and not to subnational governments. -specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. -not granted to the national government and are thus retained by the states. -not listed in the Constitution outright but are necessary to carry out those that are.
-granted to the national government and not to subnational governments.
Suppose a teacher's union has organized a nationwide boycott of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) since they believe it is harmful, not beneficial, to students' education. In an effort to stop the boycotts from happening, representatives in Congress have agreed to make changes to the existing legislation. To make the most effective change, Congress should -allow students to take frequent breaks and longer recesses. -remove the requirement for standardized testing. -implement requirements for nutritious lunches. -increase the minimum wage for teachers, adjusted for cost of living.
-remove the requirement for standardized testing.
If the Supreme Court were to hear a case regarding the issue of firearm ownership in California and decided that the legislation in question violated the Second Amendment and that no state may infringe upon the Second Amendment, this would be an example of -dual federalism. -judicial overreach. -cooperative federalism. -selective incorporation.
-selective incorporation.
The case of Angel Raich and Diane Monson using medical marijuana within the state of California, where it is legal, while it is illegal at the federal level is an example of the -many avenues American citizens may take to enact change in the United States. -federal government's overreach into the private lives of American citizens. -American system of federalism that permits state laws to supersede federal laws. -tensions and complications that can arise under the American system of federalism.
-tensions and complications that can arise under the American system of federalism.
In 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions granted each individual U.S. Attorney the power to decide whether or not to prosecute someone with regards to the use of marijuana. This is an example of -a violation of the necessary and proper clause. -invoking the commerce clause. -limiting the Tenth Amendment. -devolving federal power.
-devolving federal power.
Someone who believes that the authority of Congress may be greatly expanded to fulfill its duties listed in the Constitution would likely -oppose the expansion of the commerce clause. -disagree with the decision made in United States v. Lopez. -support the equal balance of state and federal governments. -oppose the decision made in McCulloch v. Maryland.
-disagree with the decision made in United States v. Lopez.
States like California, Alaska, and Oregon have legalized marijuana despite it being illegal at the federal level. This discrepancy between state laws that have legalized marijuana and the federal law is an example of -the conflicting nature of American federalism. -state laws overruling federal laws. -the national government devolving punishment for crimes. -federal overreach into the private lives of citizens.
-the conflicting nature of American federalism.
Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing purchases. If Minnesota were to pass a law that allows businesses to charge sales tax on clothing purchases made by visitors from other states, Minnesota would be in violation of -the privileges and immunities clause. -the Tenth Amendment. -the full faith and credit clause. -standing extradition laws.
-the privileges and immunities clause.
Why might states prefer receiving a grant-in-aid as opposed to an unfunded mandate? -A grant-in-aid gives states more flexibility to implement a policy initiative, whereas unfunded mandates have strict requirements. -A grant-in-aid would provide at least some funding for the policy initiative, whereas an unfunded mandate requires the states to implement national policy with their own state budgets. -An unfunded mandate does not usually benefit the states or the citizens within the states, but instead an interest group that lobbied members of Congress. -An unfunded mandate is usually vague and requires states to use more resources than they would with a grant-in-aid.
-A grant-in-aid would provide at least some funding for the policy initiative, whereas an unfunded mandate requires the states to implement national policy with their own state budgets.
How do federal systems of government prevent one level of government from encroaching on the powers of the other? -By instituting constitutional protections -By arming the population to fight against tyranny -By granting powers to each level so they overlap -By restricting the actions of the state governments
-By instituting constitutional protections
How does Bill Clinton's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) compare to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)? -Clinton's TANF expanded the types of benefits a needy family could receive to include free healthcare, which Roosevelt's AFDC did not include. -Clinton's TANF removed the requirement that a recipient had to have a child, which was a requirement under Roosevelt's AFDC. -Clinton's TANF increased the amount of benefits a needy family could receive from the federal government than it could under Roosevelt's AFDC. -Clinton's TANF placed greater restrictions and limitations on social welfare programs and gave more authority to the states than Roosevelt's AFDC.
-Clinton's TANF placed greater restrictions and limitations on social welfare programs and gave more authority to the states than Roosevelt's AFDC.
The following question(s) refer to the passage. The idea of a [unitary] government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens, but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful government. . . . In [that] case, all local authorities are subordinate to the supreme; and may be controlled, directed, or abolished by it at pleasure. In [a federal system], the [regional] authorities form distinct and independent portions of the supremacy, no more subject, within their respective spheres, to the general authority, than the general authority is subject to them, within its own sphere. —James Madison, Federalist No. 39 Which constitutional concept is best reflected in the passage? -Cooperative federalism -Constitutional supremacy -Separation of powers -Dual federalism
-Dual federalism
Two students are debating the role the federal government should play in education. One student argues that education has traditionally been handled by the states and should continue as such. How should the student in favor of federal involvement in education respond? -Federal policy can certainly be rolled back, but overall it should remain in place. -Federal policy ensures that all students receive an equal education regardless of where they live. -Federal policy helps students get into colleges because the curriculum and tests are standardized. -Federal policy provides more funding to public schools than local tax dollars ever could.
-Federal policy ensures that all students receive an equal education regardless of where they live.
What is the significance of the data on the graph, and how do the data relate to American government and politics? -The federal government is no longer subject to the checks and balances that were established in the original Constitution. -For over fifty years, the federal government has become increasingly involved in state and local governmental affairs. -The federal government has forced the states to devote a larger share of their budgets to health and income security. -Federal spending on items such as defense and border security has decreased since 1960.
-For over fifty years, the federal government has become increasingly involved in state and local governmental affairs.
How does the Supreme Court's decision on Gonzales v. Raich differ from its decision on United States v. Lopez? -In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court upheld the argument that marijuana cultivation and use reasonably fell under the authority of the federal government as part of the commerce clause, whereas it struck down such a claim in United States v. Lopez. -In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court upheld the argument that because America operates under a system of federalism, the state law takes precedence over the federal law, whereas it struck down such a claim in United States v. Lopez. -In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court struck down the argument that the use and cultivation of marijuana was protected by the Constitutional guarantee to privacy, while it upheld such an argument in United States v. Lopez. -In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court denied Raich's argument that marijuana could be used for medicinal purposes, whereas it upheld such a claim in United States v. Lopez.
-In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court upheld the argument that marijuana cultivation and use reasonably fell under the authority of the federal government as part of the commerce clause, whereas it struck down such a claim in United States v. Lopez.
How did the Great Depression threaten American federalism? -It created a federal government that was dependent upon states to fund the military. -It shifted the balance of power between the federal and state governments towards the federal government. -It devolved too many powers that were once held by the national government to the states. -It made the people and local governments heavily dependent upon state governments.
-It shifted the balance of power between the federal and state governments towards the federal government.
In 2008, Congress authorized the Troubled Asset Relief Program to bail out the nation's banks to keep them functioning through the 2008 financial crisis. Although this program was criticized by many as an overreach of the federal government into private institutions, Congress had precedent to do so via -President Roosevelt's New Deal programs. -President Roosevelt's bailout of banks in the 1930s. -the concurrent powers granted in the Constitution. -the Supreme Court decision in Gibbons v. Ogden.
-President Roosevelt's New Deal programs.
Which of the following statements best describes the viewpoint expressed in the political cartoon? -States should have the authority to make policy over moral issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage. -Supreme Court decisions do not resolve long-standing disagreements over social policy issues. -The Supreme Court should not make decisions involving the division of power between the national government and the states. -The Supreme Court makes controversial decisions.
-Supreme Court decisions do not resolve long-standing disagreements over social policy issues.
In 1993, Congress enacted the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, mandating that anyone seeking to buy a firearm must first undergo a federal background check. One provision in that act required state law enforcement officials to conduct those background checks. In Printz v. United States (1997), the Supreme Court declared that portion of the act to be unconstitutional, reasoning, "The Federal Government may not compel the States to enact or administer a federal regulatory program." Which constitutional provision most logically and directly supports the Court's conclusion in the quoted language? -Supremacy clause -Tenth Amendment -Second Amendment -Necessary and proper clause
-Tenth Amendment
Which of the following statements best describes the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland? -The Court ruled that creating a national bank fell within the national government's enumerated powers, confirming national power. -The Court ruled that states have authority over commercial activity within their borders, weakening national power. -The Court ruled that the necessary and proper clause allows the national government to create banks, strengthening national power. -The Court upheld a division of power between the states and the national government by allowing states to tax national banks within their borders.
-The Court ruled that the necessary and proper clause allows the national government to create banks, strengthening national power.
Which piece of legislation is an example of the federal government devolving authority to the state? -The No Child Left Behind Act -The Elementary and Secondary Education Act -The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act -The Medicaid program
-The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
Following the Civil War, how was the concept of federalism applied to the rights of African Americans? -The national government implemented uniform protections for the rights of African Americans but did not enforce those protections at the state level. -The Supreme Court supported the rights of states to take their own action regarding the rights of African Americans but did not provide protection for African Americans at the national level. -The states were granted the authority to limit the rights of African Americans despite the ratification of three new amendments to the Constitution that would protect such rights. -The national government devolved authority to state governments to tax African Americans at a higher rate than whites.
-The Supreme Court supported the rights of states to take their own action regarding the rights of African Americans but did not provide protection for African Americans at the national level.
Which inference is most clearly drawn from the graph? -The same amount of funding has been allocated to "Community and regional development" each year since 1978. -During the period 2000-2010, "Transportation" funding grew by a greater percentage than "Income security" funding. -More federal grant money goes to "Other" than to all specifically identified categories combined. -The category receiving the largest federal funding has shifted over time from "Education, training, employment, and social services" in 1975 to "Health" in 2011.
-The category receiving the largest federal funding has shifted over time from "Education, training, employment, and social services" in 1975 to "Health" in 2011.
What was an outcome of Plessy v. Ferguson? -The prohibition of segregation based on race -The concept of separate but equal -The abolition of slavery in the United States -The establishment of civil rights for African Americans
-The concept of separate but equal
Which aspect of the Constitution would you use to support a decision on McCulloch v. Maryland that rules in favor of the state instead of the national government? -The reserved powers that grant states the right to charter banks and impose taxes upon in-state companies and financial institutions. -The implied powers that allow states the right to establish local and regional bodies, including governments and banks. -The concurrent powers that grant both the state and national governments the right to charter banks and levy taxes. -The concurrent powers that permit both the state and national governments to levy taxes and borrow money from private financial institutions.
-The concurrent powers that grant both the state and national governments the right to charter banks and levy taxes.
How did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal programs reflect the practice of cooperative federalism? -The states allowed the federal government to take control of farms, factories, and businesses to control the financial crisis. -The federal government worked with state governments to provide financial aid to those in need and give jobs to those who were unemployed. -The federal government received funding from the states to redistribute tax dollars to elderly individuals who needed medical care. -Each state established its own Works Progress Administration, which used local tax dollars to provide jobs to locally unemployed men and women without federal assistance.
-The federal government worked with state governments to provide financial aid to those in need and give jobs to those who were unemployed.
How do the powers granted to the federal government compare to the powers granted to the state governments? -The powers granted to the state governments are generally those that can be more efficiently and effectively implemented at the state level. -The powers granted to the federal government are very few, while the powers granted to states are numerous and more powerful. -The powers granted to the state governments generally deal with foreign commerce and diplomacy, while the powers granted to the federal government deal with domestic issues. -The powers granted to the federal government generally deal with money, whereas powers granted to states are based on the structure and operation of government.
-The powers granted to the state governments are generally those that can be more efficiently and effectively implemented at the state level.
The following question(s) refer to the passage. The idea of a [unitary] government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens, but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful government. . . . In [that] case, all local authorities are subordinate to the supreme; and may be controlled, directed, or abolished by it at pleasure. In [a federal system], the [regional] authorities form distinct and independent portions of the supremacy, no more subject, within their respective spheres, to the general authority, than the general authority is subject to them, within its own sphere. —James Madison, Federalist No. 39 Which of the following statements best describes the author's perspective and reasoning? -The powers that the Constitution would grant to the national government will not intrude upon the power of state governments. -The U.S. Constitution should be ratified because a unitary government is preferable to the Articles of Confederation. -Lawful government has the authority to make any laws it deems necessary and proper for effectuating a peaceful society. -The supremacy clause will subordinate state governments to the federal sphere.
-The powers that the Constitution would grant to the national government will not intrude upon the power of state governments.
Who holds the power in a confederal system of government? -A single leader - No one -The states -A religious figure
-The states
By holding that Congress may regulate activity that is neither interstate nor commerce under the Interstate Commerce Clause, the Court abandons any attempt to enforce the Constitution's limits on federal power . . . —Justice Clarence Thomas, dissenting opinion, Gonzales v. Raich Which of the following statements best describes the viewpoint conveyed in the quotation? -The Tenth Amendment established a federal system of government where powers are reserved to the states. -The federal government's authority under the commerce clause applies to interstate and commercial activity. -The commerce clause allows the federal government to regulate commercial activity within each state. -The system of federalism is threatened by the national government's expansion of power under the commerce clause.
-The system of federalism is threatened by the national government's expansion of power under the commerce clause.
If Angel Raich and Diane Monson's case were reversed and marijuana use was legal at the federal level but prohibited in their state of California, how would the outcome of their case be different? -Their use of marijuana would still be illegal due to the American system of federalism. -Their use of marijuana would be permitted based on the supremacy clause within the Constitution. -Their use of marijuana would be permitted based on the commerce clause within the Constitution. -Their use of marijuana would still be illegal due to the rights of states to regulate commerce.
-Their use of marijuana would be permitted based on the supremacy clause within the Constitution.
What is the primary purpose of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970? -To regulate the way physicians prescribe medical marijuana -To regulate the transfer of marijuana for recreational purposes across state lines -To regulate the use and possession of certain drugs and other dangerous substances -To regulate the amount of marijuana any one person may possess
-To regulate the use and possession of certain drugs and other dangerous substances
A student who is studying important Supreme Court cases that re-established the balance of state and federal government power in America's system of federalism might include which case in their studies? -Lochner v. New York -Gibbons v. Ogden -McCulloch v. Maryland -United States v. Lopez
-United States v. Lopez
Federal nutrition guidelines require public schools to serve healthy lunches to students and limit the amount of "junk food" available in vending machines. A state seeking to challenge these nutrition rules should cite which of the following cases? -McCulloch v. Maryland -United States v. Lopez -None of these cases could serve as precedent. -Gibbons v. Ogden
-United States v. Lopez
Which Supreme Court case first recognized the legality of same-sex marriage? -Loving v. Virginia -Gonzales v. Raich -Obergefell v. Hodges -United States v. Windsor
-United States v. Windsor
How did Congress justify the passage of the Controlled Substances Act? -With the supremacy clause of the Constitution -With the commerce clause of the Constitution -With the Tenth Amendment in the Constitution -With the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution
-With the commerce clause of the Constitution
Why might more and more states be willing to legalize the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes despite it being illegal at the federal level? -With Donald Trump in office as of 2016, many states foresee the authority of the federal government decreasing and more and more power being devolved to the states under such a strict Republican. -With the growing number of people using marijuana, the federal government would have to expend its resources to jail citizens who would otherwise be considered law-abiding citizens. -Since several of the most populous states have legalized the use of marijuana without consequence, smaller states have started to follow suit. -As per the processes outlined in the Constitution, if enough states pass similar laws to allow the use of marijuana, the federal law will become moot.
-With the growing number of people using marijuana, the federal government would have to expend its resources to jail citizens who would otherwise be considered law-abiding citizens.
Assume the federal government has decided to provide funding to each state to build charging stations throughout public parks with the condition that the charging stations do not impede on the environment too severely, have at least five charging ports, and are functional within two years. This is an example of -a categorical grant. -a private grant. -an unfunded mandate. -a block grant.
-a categorical grant.
Suppose the federal government has just passed a law that will require all public schools to provide students with enclosed lockers that students can lock with a padlock. The federal government is requiring states to implement this policy with their own funds, making it -a categorical grant. -a block grant. -a violation of fiscal federalism. -an unfunded mandate.
-an unfunded mandate.