Question 1

Federalism is BEST described as a system of government

Accepted Answer

A)  in which powers are divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. 
B)  in which powers are given solely to a central (national) government leaving no power to regional (state) governments. 
C)  in which powers are given solely to the regional (state) governments and no powers are given to the central (national). 
D)  without a central (national) government. 
A)  in which powers are divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. 
B)  in which powers are given solely to a central (national) government leaving no power to regional (state) governments. 
C)  in which powers are given solely to the regional (state) governments and no powers are given to the central (national). 
D)  without a central (national) government. A

Question 2

What does the term fiscal stress refer to?

Accepted Answer

A)  the pressures states and local governments face regarding interjurisdictional problems 
B)  the pressures states and local governments face regarding interstate conflicts 
C)  the pressures created when expenditures are greater than revenues 
D)  the pressures created when revenues are greater than expenditures 
A)  the pressures states and local governments face regarding interjurisdictional problems 
B)  the pressures states and local governments face regarding interstate conflicts 
C)  the pressures created when expenditures are greater than revenues 
D)  the pressures created when revenues are greater than expenditures C

Question 3

In the last several years following the Great Recession, states' and localities' budgets have been hit very hard. Discuss several ways this fiscal stress has impacted the states. Conclude with a discussion of what the future might hold for state governments and their capacity to provide services as a result of this recent fiscal stress.

Accepted Answer

In the last several years following the Great Recession, states' and localities' budgets have indeed been hit very hard. This fiscal stress has impacted the states in several ways. Firstly, it has led to budget cuts in essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This has resulted in reduced quality and accessibility of these services for residents. Additionally, states have had to make tough decisions regarding layoffs and furloughs for government employees, further impacting the workforce and the economy.

Furthermore, the fiscal stress has also led to increased debt and borrowing for many states, as they struggle to meet their financial obligations. This can have long-term consequences for the financial stability and credit ratings of these states. Additionally, the uncertainty and instability in state budgets have made it difficult for businesses to plan and invest, further impacting economic growth and job creation.

Looking towards the future, state governments may continue to face challenges in their capacity to provide services as a result of this recent fiscal stress. The long-term impacts of budget cuts and reduced investment in essential services may lead to a decline in the overall quality of life for residents. Additionally, the increased debt and borrowing may limit the ability of states to invest in future growth and development.

However, there are also opportunities for states to reevaluate their budget priorities and find innovative solutions to address these challenges. By focusing on efficiency, transparency, and long-term planning, states can work towards a more sustainable and resilient financial future. Collaboration with federal and local governments, as well as private sector partnerships, may also provide avenues for states to address their fiscal stress and continue to provide essential services to their residents. Overall, the future for state governments will likely involve a combination of continued challenges and opportunities for growth and improvement.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of the distinctive features of culture wars identified by political scientist Elaine Sharp?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are highly salient to people. 
B)  They mobilize people from different backgrounds and groups. 
C)  They usually result in a compromise that satisfies both sides. 
D)  They result in unconventional forms of political activism. 
A)  They are highly salient to people. 
B)  They mobilize people from different backgrounds and groups. 
C)  They usually result in a compromise that satisfies both sides. 
D)  They result in unconventional forms of political activism.

Question 5

The territorial range of government authority is referred to as

Accepted Answer

A)  a district. 
B)  federalism. 
C)  a jurisdiction. 
D)  capacity. 
A)  a district. 
B)  federalism. 
C)  a jurisdiction. 
D)  capacity.

Question 6

The unofficial region of the nation comprised of the South and West is known as the Sunbelt.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Most states can still be characterized by the pure forms of political culture presented by Daniel Elazar.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

Census projections for the year 2050 estimate a nation of approximately 440 million people, with the Anglo population dropping to 50 percent of the total population.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

The concept of federalism refers to a system of government in which power is shared between the national and regional governments.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

According to the text, nonnational governments face three tough challenges today. What are those challenges?

Accepted Answer

A)  fiscal stress, inefficient political paradigms, and disgruntled public employees 
B)  fiscal stress, environmental pollution, and youth violence 
C)  fiscal stress, bureaucratic red tape, lack of cooperation from the federal government 
D)  fiscal stress, interjurisdictional conflict, and political corruption 
A)  fiscal stress, inefficient political paradigms, and disgruntled public employees 
B)  fiscal stress, environmental pollution, and youth violence 
C)  fiscal stress, bureaucratic red tape, lack of cooperation from the federal government 
D)  fiscal stress, interjurisdictional conflict, and political corruption

Question 11

Between 2010 and 2012, higher rates of population growth were more prevalent in which of the following regions?

Accepted Answer

A)  Northeast and South 
B)  Midwest and West 
C)  Northeast and Midwest 
D)  West and South 
A)  Northeast and South 
B)  Midwest and West 
C)  Northeast and Midwest 
D)  West and South

Question 12

The primary functions of state and local governments are to make policy for and provide services to the public.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Approximately 38 million, or 13 percent, of the United States' population was born in another country.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

When states bid against one another for economic development, they

Accepted Answer

A)  enhance interstate cooperation. 
B)  use tax breaks and regulatory relaxation as incentives. 
C)  seldom use inducements that, in the long-run, will cost them money. 
D)  usually work out agreements that allow other states to share in the economic benefits. 
A)  enhance interstate cooperation. 
B)  use tax breaks and regulatory relaxation as incentives. 
C)  seldom use inducements that, in the long-run, will cost them money. 
D)  usually work out agreements that allow other states to share in the economic benefits.

Question 15

Define the concept of political culture. Why is it important to understand political culture, and how does it affect politics in the states and local governments? Using Daniel Elazar's categories of political culture, explain the category or categories into which your state falls, and list several contributing factors behind your categorization.

Accepted Answer

Political culture refers to the attitude

Question 16

Interjurisdictional conflict is particularly common in two policy areas: education and health care.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Population changes carry enormous economic and political consequences for state and local governments. Generally, power and influence follow populations. Describe the trends of the late 2000s and what implications they have for states and Congress.

Accepted Answer

In the late 2000s, there were several no

Question 18

According to the text, the term jurisdiction is sometimes used as a synonym for

Accepted Answer

A)  federal government. 
B)  federalism. 
C)  state or nation. 
D)  city or town. 
A)  federal government. 
B)  federalism. 
C)  state or nation. 
D)  city or town.

Question 19

The term mad money refers to money set aside when a state's finances are healthy, for use when state revenues decline.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

The most frequent sources of intergovernmental conflict are over natural resources and economic development.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Federalism is BEST described as a system of government

What does the term fiscal stress refer to?

Which of the following is NOT one of the distinctive features of culture wars identified by political scientist Elaine Sharp?

The territorial range of government authority is referred to as

The unofficial region of the nation comprised of the South and West is known as the Sunbelt.

Most states can still be characterized by the pure forms of political culture presented by Daniel Elazar.

Census projections for the year 2050 estimate a nation of approximately 440 million people, with the Anglo population dropping to 50 percent of the total population.

The concept of federalism refers to a system of government in which power is shared between the national and regional governments.

According to the text, nonnational governments face three tough challenges today. What are those challenges?

Between 2010 and 2012, higher rates of population growth were more prevalent in which of the following regions?

The primary functions of state and local governments are to make policy for and provide services to the public.

Approximately 38 million, or 13 percent, of the United States' population was born in another country.

When states bid against one another for economic development, they

Interjurisdictional conflict is particularly common in two policy areas: education and health care.

Population changes carry enormous economic and political consequences for state and local governments. Generally, power and influence follow populations. Describe the trends of the late 2000s and what implications they have for states and Congress.

According to the text, the term jurisdiction is sometimes used as a synonym for

The term mad money refers to money set aside when a state's finances are healthy, for use when state revenues decline.

The most frequent sources of intergovernmental conflict are over natural resources and economic development.

Federalism and the States

State Constitutions

Citizen Participation and Elections

Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Campaigns

State Legislatures

Governors

Public Administration: Budgeting and Service Delivery

The Judiciary

State Local Relations

Local Government: Structure and Leadership

Taxing and Spending

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Exam 1: New Directions for State and Local Governments

Federalism is BEST described as a system of government

What does the term fiscal stress refer to?

Which of the following is NOT one of the distinctive features of culture wars identified by political scientist Elaine Sharp?

The territorial range of government authority is referred to as

The unofficial region of the nation comprised of the South and West is known as the Sunbelt.

Most states can still be characterized by the pure forms of political culture presented by Daniel Elazar.

Census projections for the year 2050 estimate a nation of approximately 440 million people, with the Anglo population dropping to 50 percent of the total population.

The concept of federalism refers to a system of government in which power is shared between the national and regional governments.

According to the text, nonnational governments face three tough challenges today. What are those challenges?

Between 2010 and 2012, higher rates of population growth were more prevalent in which of the following regions?

The primary functions of state and local governments are to make policy for and provide services to the public.

Approximately 38 million, or 13 percent, of the United States' population was born in another country.

When states bid against one another for economic development, they

Interjurisdictional conflict is particularly common in two policy areas: education and health care.

Population changes carry enormous economic and political consequences for state and local governments. Generally, power and influence follow populations. Describe the trends of the late 2000s and what implications they have for states and Congress.

According to the text, the term jurisdiction is sometimes used as a synonym for

The term mad money refers to money set aside when a state's finances are healthy, for use when state revenues decline.

The most frequent sources of intergovernmental conflict are over natural resources and economic development.

Federalism and the States

State Constitutions

Citizen Participation and Elections

Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Campaigns

State Legislatures

Governors

Public Administration: Budgeting and Service Delivery

The Judiciary

State Local Relations

Local Government: Structure and Leadership

Taxing and Spending

Filters