1.
A unitary system is a way of organizing government so that
Correct Answer
A. All power resides in a central government
Explanation
In a unitary system, all power is concentrated in a central government. This means that the central government has the authority to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, and make decisions that affect the entire country. There may be local or regional governments, but their powers are delegated by the central government and can be revoked or modified at any time. This centralized power structure allows for uniformity and consistency in governance throughout the country.
2.
The United States began as a (n)
Correct Answer
A. Confederation
Explanation
The United States began as a confederation, meaning a loose association of states with a weak central government. This is evident in the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, which granted most powers to the individual states. However, over time, the weaknesses of the confederation became apparent, leading to the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of a stronger federal government.
3.
The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution states that all of the following are the supreme law of the land, EXCEPT
Correct Answer
C. State constitutions
Explanation
The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution establishes that the United States Constitution, laws of the national government (when consistent with the Constitution), and treaties of the national government (when consistent with the Constitution) are the supreme law of the land. However, state constitutions are not included in this list. This means that if there is a conflict between a state constitution and any of the other mentioned sources, the latter will prevail.
4.
The principle that the national government has certain implied powers that go beyond its enumerated powers was first elaborated in the Supreme Court's decision in
Correct Answer
D. McCulloch v Maryland
Explanation
In the case of McCulloch v Maryland, the Supreme Court established the principle of implied powers for the national government. The case involved a dispute over the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States and whether the state of Maryland had the power to tax it. The Court ruled that the national government had the authority to create the bank under the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution. This decision expanded the powers of the national government beyond its enumerated powers and set a precedent for future cases involving the scope of federal power.
5.
Which of the following federal policies exemplifies the implied powers of Congress?
Correct Answer
A. Environmental protection law
Explanation
The implied powers of Congress refer to powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary in order to carry out the expressed powers. The environmental protection law exemplifies the implied powers of Congress because it is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, but Congress has the authority to pass laws that protect the environment in order to fulfill its responsibilities for the general welfare and the regulation of commerce.
6.
The Supreme Court case of Gibbons v Ogden?
Correct Answer
C. Defined commerce as virtually every form of commercial activity
Explanation
The correct answer is "defined commerce as virtually every form of commercial activity." The case of Gibbons v Ogden was a landmark Supreme Court case that clarified the scope of the commerce clause in the United States Constitution. The court ruled that the power to regulate interstate commerce belonged to the federal government and that commerce encompassed virtually every form of commercial activity. This decision expanded the power of the federal government and established the supremacy of the national government in regulating commerce.
7.
A tution difference between in-state and out-of-state students is an example of
Correct Answer
D. An example of an exception to the privileges and immunities clause
Explanation
This answer is correct because the tuition difference between in-state and out-of-state students violates the privileges and immunities clause. This clause, found in Article IV, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states. However, in the case of tuition, states are allowed to charge higher rates for out-of-state students as an exception to this clause.
8.
The constitutional requirement that the states return a person charged with a crime in another state to that state for trial or imprisonment is known as
Correct Answer
B. Extradition
Explanation
Extradition is the correct answer because it refers to the constitutional requirement that states must return a person charged with a crime in another state to that state for trial or imprisonment. This process ensures that criminals cannot escape justice by fleeing to another state.
9.
In ____________ federalism, the powers and policy assignments of different levels of government are like a marble cake, with mingled responsibilities and blurred distinctions between layers of government.
Correct Answer
D. Cooperative
Explanation
Cooperative federalism refers to a system in which the powers and policy assignments of different levels of government are mixed together, similar to a marble cake. In this type of federalism, there is a cooperation and collaboration between the different layers of government, with blurred distinctions and mingled responsibilities. This allows for a sharing of power and resources between the federal and state governments, promoting a more unified approach to governance.
10.
Programs such as Medicaid and Aid for Families with Dependent Children, where applicants automatically qualify for aid if they meet the requirements, are examples of
Correct Answer
C. Formula grants
Explanation
Programs such as Medicaid and Aid for Families with Dependent Children, where applicants automatically qualify for aid if they meet the requirements, are examples of formula grants. Formula grants are a type of federal assistance where funding is allocated based on a predetermined formula. This formula takes into account factors such as population, poverty rates, or other specific criteria. This ensures that funding is distributed fairly and consistently across different states or localities.
11.
A broad program for community development would most likely be supported through a (n)
Correct Answer
E. Block grant
Explanation
A block grant would be the most likely way to support a broad program for community development. This is because a block grant provides a fixed amount of funding to states or local governments to be used for a specific purpose, such as community development. Unlike other types of grants, block grants give more flexibility to the recipient in how the funds are allocated and spent, allowing for a broader approach to community development initiatives. This type of grant is often preferred when there is a need for a comprehensive and adaptable program.
12.
What are mandates?
Correct Answer
A. Requirements that direct states or local governments to comply with federal rules under threat of penalties or as a condition of receipt of a federal grant
Explanation
Mandates refer to requirements that are imposed on states or local governments, directing them to comply with federal rules. These mandates may come with the threat of penalties or as a condition for receiving a federal grant. In other words, states or local governments are obligated to follow these rules in order to avoid penalties or to secure funding from the federal government. This ensures that federal policies and regulations are implemented at the state and local level, promoting consistency and adherence to national standards.
13.
The word federalism is absent from the Constitution.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the word "federalism" is indeed absent from the Constitution. Although the concept of federalism is implied in the Constitution through the division of powers between the federal government and the states, the actual term "federalism" is not explicitly mentioned. The Constitution outlines the structure and powers of the federal government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the states, without using the specific term "federalism".