gov test federalism
(FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT chart) According to the chart, in which of the following years (approximately) did the number of federal military personnel fall below that of federal civilian personnel? A 1960 B 1970 C 1990 D 2000
1990
(Federal growth chart) Which of the following statements about the federal government between 1948 and 1978 is supported by the chart? A Federal government spending increased primarily to keep pace with increasing employment. B Short-term decreases in the number of federal regulations led to decreases in spending and employment. C The bulk of the increase in federal spending resulted from wage increases. D A relatively stable number of employees administered larger federal budgets and enforced more regulations. E The high cost of regulation prevented the federal government from hiring more workers
A relatively stable number of employees administered larger federal budgets and enforced more regulations.
(Map of insurance coverage) Which of the following characteristics best explains the data on the map? A The exclusive powers granted to the states in the Constitution allow them to determine health-care policy. B Federalism creates differences between states on the implementation of health-care policy. C The Tenth Amendment instructs Congress to make laws but guarantees the rights of states to implement federal policies, such as health-care policy. D The incorporation of the Fourteenth Amendment has allowed the federal government to guarantee health care to all citizens, but some citizens may opt out.
B) Federalism creates differences between states on the implementation of health-care policy.
The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following? A A consolidation of power in the national government based on national supremacy B A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty C A delegation of power from the state governments to the federal government, increasing the power of the United States government D An increase in cooperative federalism, where power and duties are shared between the federal and state governments
B. A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty
Which of the following actions did President Johnson suggest he would take to address problems in public schools? A Driving down the cost of education by removing ineffective teachers B Calling on experts to advise the federal government in finding ways to improve public education C Increasing school accountability by requiring schools to show evidence of improvement D Scaling back the role of the federal government and allowing state and local governments to take the lead in education policy
B. Calling on experts to advise the federal government in finding ways to improve public education
The case United States v. Lopez (1995) struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act because A it violated Fourth Amendment protections against unwarranted searches B Congress exceeded its authority in the use of the commerce clause C the Second Amendment is a right incorporated to the states D students retain their First Amendment rights while attending public schools
B. Congress exceeded its authority in the use of the commerce clause
The framers of the United States Constitution left decisions on voting eligibility to the A civil rights agencies B individual states C United States Supreme Court D House of Representatives E Senate
B. individual states
The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to A prevent states from taxing agencies of the federal government B reserve powers to the states C restrict the application of judicial review D allow for the burning of the flag as an expression of protest E limit the use of the legislative veto
B. reserve powers to the states
(Uncle Sam holding paper 'federal authority' and bag 'federal benefits') Which of the following policies would the states most likely prefer according to the political cartoon? A Federal mandates B Regulatory preemption C Block grants D Categorical grants
C) block grants
Which of the following is a consequence of having concurrent powers within a federal system of government? A The executive branch can expand its control of the policy agenda. B States can pass laws that override the laws of the federal government. C Citizens and interest groups seeking policy change can choose from multiple access points. D Members of Congress can cultivate close relationships with power brokers in their regions.
C- Citizens and interest groups seeking policy change can choose from multiple access points.
South Carolina passed a law to increase the state tax on gasoline to help fund repairs on highways and bridges. The state tax is in addition to the federal tax on every gallon of gasoline that is sold. Which of the following constitutional provisions does this scenario illustrate? A Delegated powers B Reserved powers C Concurrent powers D Exclusive powers
C. Concurrent powers
A prominent example of the process of returning more of the responsibilities of governing from the national level to the state level is A immigration reform B trade reform C welfare reform D campaign finance reform E national security reform
C. welfare reform
Which of the following best summarizes the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A The necessary and proper clause permits Congress to pass laws regulating firearms within a school zone pursuant to its interest in maintaining law and order. B The Second Amendment is incorporated to the states, which means that state and local laws prohibiting the possession of a gun within the boundaries of a school zone are unconstitutional. C The Second Amendment does not protect the right to keep and bear a firearm unless it can be shown that there is a direct relationship to the preservation of a well-regulated militia. D Congress does not have the authority under the commerce clause to pass a law forbidding possession of a firearm in a school zone.
Congress does not have the authority under the commerce clause to pass a law forbidding possession of a firearm in a school zone.
The decision of the Supreme Court upheld the principle that A the federal government and the state governments are equal B Congress has only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution C Congress has the power to make laws to carry out its constitutional duties D taxation without representation is unconstitutional E the federal government alone may levy taxes
Congress has the power to make laws to carry out its constitutional duties
(Map of insurance coverage) Which of the following statements is supported by the data on the map? A Michigan (MI) has a higher rate of uninsured people than Mississippi (MS). B Alaska (AK) has a lower rate of uninsured people than Hawaii (HI). C Wyoming (WY) has a lower rate of uninsured people than Idaho (ID). D Texas (TX) has a higher rate of uninsured people than New Jersey (NJ).
D) Texas (TX) has a higher rate of uninsured people than New Jersey (NJ).
Which of the following constitutional principles best explains why there is variation among states on the use of capital punishment? A Separation of powers B Judicial review C Checks and balances D Federalism
D. Federalism
Concurrent powers have which of the following effects on the United States political system? A They reinforce the expansion of the power of the national government and the supremacy of the national law. B They eliminate disputes between the states and the national government by creating completely separate spheres of influence. C They foster cooperation between the states and the national government by requiring that the two levels of government work together. D They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.
D. They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.
When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of A equal protection of the laws B due process of law C federal supremacy D separation of powers E federalism
D. separation of powers
Cooperative federalism can best be described by which of the following statements? A Different levels of government are involved in common policy areas. B Government must have cooperation from the people in order to make legislative decisions. C Local levels of government can make decisions on issues more efficiently than state and national governments can. D The federal government must make regulations that can be applied across every state in the same way. E Business and government can work together to more effectively accomplish shared goals.
Different levels of government are involved in common policy areas
The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of A state supremacy B horizontal federalism C affirmative action D dual federalism E a federal mandate
E) a federal mandate
Which of the following statements can be supported from information in the table above? Federal grants to state and local governments have increased substantially in total dollar amount since 1950. In 1994 the federal government devoted a larger percentage of outlays to grants than in 1980. Between 1980 and 1990, grants decreased as a percentage of federal outlays. In 1994 states were more dependent on federal grants for revenue than in 1990, 1970, or 1960. A IV only B I and III only C II and III only D II and IV only E I, III, and IV only
E- I, III, and IV only
In contrast to revenue sharing, categorical grants-in-aid provide state and local governments with A substantial discretion in deciding how to use the grants to solve their problems B aid that reflects tax base and population C the power to impose regressive taxes D funds sufficient to support a high level of local service E funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government
E. Funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government
Which of the following constitutional principles most directly addresses the relationship between the national and state governments? A Checks and balances B The Bill of Rights C Separation of powers D Representation E Federalism
E. federalism
(Education resources cutting kids stick) The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) required states to implement standards-based education reform in order to receive federal funds. Which of the following criticisms of NCLB is being expressed in the cartoon? A Education standards for sports achievements are set unrealistically high, and equipment is poorly managed. B Education standards for boys are more difficult than for girls, even though educational resources are the same. C Education resources are being systematically reduced, while education standards are becoming more unreachable. D Education resources for elementary school students are being trimmed, while education standards for high school students are being raised.
Education resources are being systematically reduced, while education standards are becoming more unreachable.
(Poverty map pt 2) Which constitutional principle best explains the differences in poverty rates presented in the map? A Checks and balances B Federalism C Equal protection D Enumerated powers
Federalism
Diversity of public policy throughout the United States is primarily a consequence of A federalism B separation of powers C innovation within bureaucratic agencies D decentralization in the Senate E Lack of party discipline in the house
Federalism
Interpretations of this clause have been central to attempts to define the nature of which of the following aspects of the United States political system? A Republicanism B Pluralism C Due process of law D Federalism E Judicial review
Federalism
(Federal growth chart pt 2) Which of the following public policy problems is most likely to result from the situation shown in the chart? A Government employees may become responsible for larger bodies of regulation than they can effectively monitor. B Regulations may apply to an increasingly small portion of industry as the economy grows. C Governmental hiring patterns may draw too many educated workers from the private sector. D The influence of special-interest groups may increase as the number of federal employees grows. E Increases in the number of federal employees may necessitate the construction of new and expensive federal facilities.
Government employees may become responsible for larger bodies of regulation than they can effectively monitor.
Which of the following pair of Supreme Court cases best illustrates how views of federalism have shifted in the United States? A-Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) Baker v. Carr (1962) B-McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995) C-Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010) McDonald v. Chicago (2010) D-Schenck v. United States (1919) New York Times v. United States (1971)
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995)
Which of the following sets of Supreme Court cases best illustrates how views of federalism have shifted in the United States? A- Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) and Baker v. Carr (1962) B- McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and United States v. Lopez (1995) C- Roe v. Wade (1973) McDonald v. Chicago (2010) D-Schenck v. United States (1919) New York Times v. United States (1971)
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and United States v. Lopez (1995)
Which of the following is the best example of a categorical grant? A Money given to states for special education programs B Money given to individuals in the form of tax rebates C Money given to states unconditionally D Money given to states to spend at their discretion on transportation E Money given directly to private business for economic development
Money given to states for special education programs
Which of the following actions by the federal government best illustrates the concept of unfunded mandates? A Requiring that polling booths remain open beyond the hours of the workday B Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services C Requiring state governments to guarantee short-term bonds issued by large municipalities in their states D Requiring all municipalities to impose a minimum property tax on all residential and business properties E Requiring states and municipalities to privatize many previously publicly funded services
Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services
Based on the passage and your knowledge, which of the following most likely explains how Adam Smith might react to the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ? A Smith would approve of the court's decision that limited the scope of the federal government's regulatory authority. B Smith would disapprove of the court's decision to expand the federal government's power to regulate the economy. C Smith would disapprove of the court's decision allowing private businesses to make unlimited contributions to political campaigns. D Smith would approve of the court's decision to expand the power of the federal government to promote economic growth.
Smith would disapprove of the court's decision to expand the federal government's power to regulate the economy.
(FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT chart) The increasing number of state and local government employees reflects which of the following about the political system in the United States? A There has been a trend toward more liberal state governments since 1970. B The addition of new states to the union has weakened the power of the national government. C State and local governments provide many necessary public services in a federal system. D The shrinking of the national budget has led to a decrease in the number of federal employees.
State and local governments provide many necessary public services in a federal system.
Which of the following is the most reasonable implication of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 46 ? A Under the United States Constitution, the federal government has supremacy over the states and thus the states are dependent on the federal government. B There are too few checks and balances in the United States Constitution; thus an amendment ought to be added guaranteeing states' rights. C States can resist the federal government's encroachments more readily than the federal government can oppose state policies, leading to a federal system based on a foundation of states. D Because states have a tendency toward factionalism, a powerful national government is necessary to ensure that individual rights are protected.
States can resist the federal government's encroachments more readily than the federal government can oppose state policies, leading to a federal system based on a foundation of states.
In McCulloch v. Maryland , the Supreme Court established which of the following principles? A States cannot interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government. B The judicial branch cannot intervene in political disputes between the President and Congress. C The federal Bill of Rights places no limitations on the states. D The federal government has the power to regulate commerce. E It is within the judiciary's authority to interpret the constitution.
States cannot interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies Madison's argument in The Federalist 46 ? A An individual who is paying income taxes to both state and federal government B States enforcing certain laws along interstate highways, such as laws banning the use of mobile phones while driving C Congress increasing spending on national defense so that each state does not have to spend money on defense programs D States passing laws that allow increased legal use of marijuana even though federal law prohibits marijuana
States passing laws that allow increased legal use of marijuana even though federal law prohibits marijuana
Arizona enacted an immigration law in 2010, claiming the legislation complemented existing federal law. The Obama administration disagreed, claiming the state law conflicted with national law. Which clause of the Constitution did the Supreme Court most likely use to strike down a section of the state law? A Commerce clause B Necessary and proper clause C Full faith and credit clause D Supremacy clause
Supremacy clause
Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was upheld as constitutional because regulating arms is an enumerated power. B The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was upheld as constitutional because any interstate commerce is implied in the commerce clause. C The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause. D The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down because it exceeded the state's power to regulate guns.
The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause.
Of the following, which has been used most to expand the power of the national government? A The commerce clause of the Constitution B The habeas corpus clause of the Constitution C The bill of attainder clause of the Constitution D The First Amendment E The Fifth Amendment
The commerce clause of the Constitution
Which of the following debates is most relevant to the excerpt from The Federalist 46 ? A The debate over whether the Second Amendment prevents the federal government from passing gun-control laws B The debate over whether the president has exceeded constitutional authority by sending troops into combat C The debate over how much of the federal government's budget should be allocated to entitlement programs D The debate over whether states should cooperate with the federal government's immigration enforcement policies
The debate over whether states should cooperate with the federal government's immigration enforcement policies
Which of the following best defines the constitutional interpretation of federalism? A The federal government and the states each have separate and mutually exclusive roles and responsibilities; neither controls the other. B The states have some powers reserved to them which they may exercise if the Supreme Court permits. C The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails. D The states may only exercise those powers delegated to them by Congress. E The federal government may exercise only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution.
The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails.
Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ? A The federal government exceeded its authority in establishing a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional. B Maryland was within its authority to tax the federal government, but the Bank of the United States exceeded federal authority. C The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, but it had to pay Maryland's tax. D The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of concurrent powers? A The president negotiates a treaty regarding climate change with foreign governments, but for the treaty to take effect, it requires approval by the Senate. B As commander-in-chief of the military, the president orders troops to a foreign nation to address a potential threat to national security. C A Senate committee holds a hearing to discuss potential misuse of funds by the Department of Veterans Affairs. D The federal government provides about 25% of the total funding for highways and transit in the United States, while the other 75% of the funding comes from states.
The federal government provides about 25% of the total funding for highways and transit in the United States, while the other 75% of the funding comes from states.
Which of the following is a correct statement about the federal government's role in interstate commerce? A The federal government has no role in regulating interstate commerce. B The federal government's role is limited to regulating activities that may lead to federal crimes. C The federal government's role is limited to regulating commerce transported on interstate waterways such as the Mississippi River. D The federal government's role is limited to regulating the transport of agricultural goods. E The federal government's role has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause
The federal government's role has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause
Which of the following clauses in the Constitution justifies the "implied powers doctrine" ? A The necessary and proper clause B The privileges and immunities clause C The contract clause D The debts and engagements clause E The executive power clause
The necessary and proper clause
(Poverty map) Which of the following is true based on information on the map? A The number of people living in poverty is lower in Maine (ME) than in New Jersey (NJ). B Northern states tend to have higher poverty rates than Southern states. C The poverty rate in the United States has increased since the last census was taken. D The poverty rate in the United States varies by state and region.
The poverty rate in the United States varies by state and region.
Which of the following resulted from this Supreme Court decision? A The power of the national government was strengthened. B The power of the Supreme Court was weakened. C The power of state governments to tax individual citizens was clearly limited. D Congress was given the power to coin money. E Congress alone was given the power to charter banks.
The power of the national government was strengthened.
By using the phrase "creative federalism," President Johnson is most likely referring to which of the following features of the American system? A The relationship between the federal and state governments evolves over time and is flexible enough to permit new forms of interaction. B National policymaking is constrained by the sharing of power between the three branches of government. C The balance of power between the states and federal government has been trending toward more federal regulation and less state control. D Congress may use the commerce clause to address problems in public schools such as lack of resources and school safety.
The relationship between the federal and state governments evolves over time and is flexible enough to permit new forms of interaction.
(Education resources cutting kids stick) Which of the following is a method by which Congress is likely influencing state policy being depicted in the cartoon? A Unfunded mandates B Selective incorporation C Legislative oversight D Block grants
Unfunded mandates
The practical effect of this clause has been to A make the legislature the most powerful branch of the national government B allow the national government to extend its powers beyond those enumerated in the Constitution C allow the state governments to nullify federal laws within their borders D give the President uncontested powers in the area of foreign policy E ensure that any powers not delegated by the Constitution to the United States government are reserved to the states and the people
allow the national government to extend its powers beyond those enumerated in the Constitution
The clause in the United States Constitution that states that federal law will prevail in the event of a conflict between federal and state law is known as the A necessary and proper clause B supremacy clause C presentment clause D confrontation clause E equal protection clause
b. supremacy clause
(Uncle Sam holding paper 'federal authority' and bag 'federal benefits') Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the political cartoon? A State governments have used the Tenth Amendment to override the federal government's mandates. B State governments are unwilling to share their budgetary surpluses with other states. C State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent. D The fiscal irresponsibility of state governments has led to increased federal regulation on their budgetary priorities.
c) State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent.
States and localities have the most discretion in establishing policy when federal funding is derived from A categorical grants B matching grants C block grants D project grants E grants-in-aid
c. block grants
In the United States political system, the term Federalism refers to A limits on the powers of the state governments B limits on the powers of the national government C the division of powers between the levels of government D the fundamental basis of law E legal authority of the courts to hear cases
c. the division of powers between the levels of government
Which of the following powers allows both the federal and state governments to make policies involving taxation? A Concurrent powers B Exclusive powers C Implied powers D Enumerated powers
concurrent powers
Which of the following forms of financial aid from the national government gives the states the broadest discretion in the spending of money? A Categorical grants-in-aid B Foreign aid C Unfunded mandates D Block grants E Military funding
d. block grants
In a federal system of government, political power is primarily A vested in local governments B vested in the regional governments C vested in the central government D divided between the central government and regional governments E divided between regional governments and local governments
d. divided between the central government and regional governments
Giving state governments greater discretion in deciding how to achieve the specific goals of welfare reform is an example of A an unfunded mandate B implied powers C dual federalism D devolution E affirmative action
devolution
All of the following are consequences of the federal system in the United States EXCEPT A inequality in government services across subnational entities B opportunities for experimentation in government programs C multiple points of access for interest groups D decentralization of political conflict E a strict division of power among levels of government
e. a strict division of power among levels of government
The congressional power that has been contested most frequently in the federal courts is the power to A establish post offices B coin money C levy taxes D regulate commerce with foreign nations E regulate interstate commerce
e. regulate interstate commerce
The Americans with Disabilities Act was widely unpopular with governors and mayors because it A required that people with disabilities be given equal access to public facilities B required that buildings be retrofitted or remodeled to give equal access to people with disabilities C did not go far enough to establish equal access to public facilities D applied only to federal facilities and did nothing to accommodate people in municipal buildings E required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling
e. required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling
Many scholars argue that categorical grants-in-aid do which of the following? A Give states far too much power over national monies B Broaden state power beyond that outlined in the Constitution C Strengthen the impact of the Tenth Amendment D Give new life to the idea of dual federalism E Weaken the power of state governors and legislators
e. weaken the power of state governors and legislators
Which of the following policies involves more state spending than federal spending? A Military policy B Social security C Education D Medicare E Veterans affairs
education
The supremacy clause in the Constitution states that A federal law takes precedence over state law when the laws conflict B only Congress may declare war C the Senate should have a greater role in foreign affairs than does the House of Representatives D the federal government has the right to regulate interstate commerce E the Supreme Court has the power to overturn decisions of lower courts
federal law takes precedence over state law when the laws conflict
The terms "fiscal federalism" and "cooperative federalism" refer to situations in which A the federal government completely dominates state and local governments B states are forbidden any activity that has not been specifically approved by the Supreme Court C the federal judiciary uses its power of judicial review to ensure congressional dominance over state legislatures D state, municipal, and local income taxes are pooled by special agreement and redistributed in accordance with individual need E federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding
federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding
Which of the following constitutional provisions broadened the power of Congress? A The necessary and proper clause B The equal protection clause C The Tenth Amendment D The Ninth Amendment E The eminent domain provision in the Fifth Amendment
necessary and proper clause
The reserved powers of the state governments can best be described as those powers A not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states B implied in the Fifth Amendment C listed specifically in the Tenth Amendment D exercised by both national and state governments E granted to states as part of the implied powers doctrine
not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states
The most significant trend in federal-state relations during the 1980s was A giving the federal government control over social welfare programs B bringing about greater equality in the provision of social services in different states C limiting state governments' ability to assess income taxes D expanding the authority of county and municipal governments at the expense of state governments E shifting the responsibilities and costs for many programs to state governments
shifting the responsibilities and costs for many programs to state governments
