Exam 21: Unitary and Federal Systems

A unitary state is one in which all government functions are shared equally among partners in a federation.

In Canada,to which of the following are residual powers allocated by the constitution?

In which state is executive federalism a manifestation of interstate federalism?

Which of the following does NOT represent an advantage that federal states frequently have over unitary states?

What is the essential difference between federalism and devolution?

In federal systems,the _________ often become arbiters of intergovernmental conflict.The power to declare legislation unconstitutional,known as _______________,is an important feature of most federal constitutions.

In a federal system of government,the powers not specifically mentioned in a constitution are known as _________ powers.In Canada,these powers were given to the _________.In contrast,in the U.S.,these powers are reserved to the _________ or to the people.

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council was designed to listen to complaints from private members of the Canadian legislature.

Asymmetrical federalism denotes federations in which the territorial size of some constituent states or provinces is very different from one another (e.g.,PEI vs.Ontario,or Vermont vs.Texas).

What is the best way to achieve unity and successful government: by means of symmetrical,uniform,and territorial federalism,or by asymmetrical,diverse and multinational federalism? Does asymmetry balkanize,and create instability,or does it provide the necessary flexibility demanded in a large and diverse society?

Which publication brilliantly pointed out that federalism checks tyrannical tendencies?

A term used to convey the idea of unevenly divided powers among provinces,of some provinces having greater responsibilities or more autonomy than others,is known as _________ federalism.

Devolution refers to the practice within federal states of giving more power to constituent governments and taking power away from the central government.

What would be the best system for a country where the majority of the population followed one religion,but an isolated community followed a different religion?

In November 2006,the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion introduced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to recognize that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada.

Define and explain the significance of devolution.Illustrate your answer with reference to the experience of the United Kingdom.

By definition,Canada is an example of confederation.

Federalism was an invention of the Dutch as they colonized and settled their empire.

Switzerland is a unitary state.

In November 2006,the House of Commons recognized that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada.Do you agree? In your answer,consider the views of Charles Taylor,Guy Laforest,and Kenneth McRoberts.