Federalism AP Gov Practice Quiz Questions and Answers

📚 Topic Summary

Federalism is the division of powers between a national (federal) government and state governments. This system ensures that no single entity has absolute control, fostering a balance of authority. In the United States, federalism is enshrined in the Constitution, which outlines specific powers for both the federal and state governments, as well as reserved powers for the states and concurrent powers shared by both.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with its definition:

1. Enumerated Powers
2. Reserved Powers
3. Concurrent Powers
4. Federal Supremacy
5. Dual Federalism

1. Powers specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution.
2. Powers held by both the federal and state governments.
3. The constitutional doctrine stating that federal law is superior to state law when the two conflict.
4. Powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.
5. A system where the federal and state governments operate independently in their own spheres.

Answer Key:

• Enumerated Powers - Powers specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution.
• Reserved Powers - Powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.
• Concurrent Powers - Powers held by both the federal and state governments.
• Federal Supremacy - The constitutional doctrine stating that federal law is superior to state law when the two conflict.
• Dual Federalism - A system where the federal and state governments operate independently in their own spheres.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph using the words: federal, states, Constitution, implied, enumerated.

The U.S. system of government is based on __________. The __________ divides power between the __________ government and the individual __________. Powers specifically listed in the Constitution are called __________ powers, while __________ powers are those necessary to carry out the listed powers.

Answer: The U.S. system of government is based on federalism. The Constitution divides power between the federal government and the individual states. Powers specifically listed in the Constitution are called enumerated powers, while implied powers are those necessary to carry out the listed powers.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Explain how the balance of power between the federal government and state governments has shifted over time, and provide an example of a Supreme Court case that illustrates this shift.

Sample Answer: The balance of power has generally shifted towards the federal government over time. This shift is largely due to interpretations of the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause in the Constitution. An example of a Supreme Court case that illustrates this shift is *McCulloch v. Maryland* (1819). In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had the power to establish a national bank, even though it was not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. This ruling expanded the power of the federal government through the use of implied powers, solidifying the principle of federal supremacy. The New Deal era also marked a significant shift toward federal power in response to the Great Depression.