Exam 3: Federalism

Which of these is NOT an example of an agency that furthers cooperation between national and state governments?

Which of the following types of grants are most favored by state governments because of the flexibility that comes with their receipt?

After careful consideration, the Department of Education decides to allow states to select their own means of testing their students. This is an example of ________.

What is a distinguishing characteristic of dual federalism in contrast to cooperative federalism, and what is an example of a policy area that relies on dual federalism in the U.S.?

Broadly speaking, what was the effect of the 2013 Supreme Court decision Shelby Co. v. Holder?

How are state and national elections most similar?

Federalism allows the state laws to vary based on citizens' interests. Why might this diversity be in the interest of the national government?

In Belgium, citizens in constitutionally defined regions elect separate governments to control public policies, as well as a single national government that controls other policies, such as trade and national defense. What does this constitutional arrangement most clearly represent?

Which term denotes money that is distributed to lower-level governments with the purpose of funding special projects?

Categorical grants, block grants, and other kinds of intergovernmental financial transfers are most indicative of which set of systemic arrangements?

Throughout the twentieth century, federalism questions were most often decided in favor of ________.

Compare and contrast systems of dual federalism and cooperative federalism. Identify a policy domain in which federal and state authority are substantially divided. Identify a policy domain in which federal and state authority substantially overlap. Overall, which system is more nearly represented by the relationship between the federal government and the states in contemporary American politics? Why?

What does the Fourteenth Amendment do?

Which of the following best describes an example of how the federal government could delegate more discretion to state governments?

The general phrasing and broad interpretations of the commerce clause have led to the expansion in power of which branch of government?

In a unitary system of government, ________.

What are examples of processes of direct democracy, and to what level of government do they pertain?

What are the costs and benefits of federalism? How might the United States benefit by providing even greater autonomy to the states? In what ways might such a shift yield negative consequences? How might the United States benefit by providing even greater authority to the national government? In what ways might such a shift yield negative consequences?

Suppose Congress decided it was unnecessary to have two Carolinas (North and South), two Dakotas (North and South), and both a Virginia and West Virginia. Could Congress pass a law changing these six states into only three states (Carolina, Dakota, and Virginia, respectively)?

Suppose the State of New York refused to abide by the Supreme Court's decision in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) and put in place a highly restrictive handgun ban. What recourse would the Supreme Court have to stop New York from implementing this law?