Question

chapter 3 federalism
learning objectives

1. explain the constitutional foundations of federalism.
2. trace how federalism has evolved over u.s. history.
3. identify the different types of powers shared by state and federal governments.
4. describe how federalism shapes political participation and policy outcomes.
5. discuss contemporary debates over federalism.

i. defining federalism

• federalism is a system of government where power is divided between the __ government and __ governments.
• the u.s. constitution provides for a system of ____ government.
• key difference from a unitary system: in a unitary system, power is held by ____.

ii. constitutional foundations of federalism

1. the constitution establishes federalism through:

a. enumerated powers: powers granted to the ____ government.
b. reserved powers: powers kept by the __ under the __ amendment.
c. concurrent powers: powers shared by __ and __.
d. the necessary and proper clause (also called the “____ clause”) expands federal authority.
e. the supremacy clause declares that federal law is the “____ law of the land.”
iii. the evolution of federalism in the u.s.

1. dual federalism (1789–1937): known as “__ cake federalism.” national and state governments had __ responsibilities.

Explanation:

For the blanks:

• Federalism divides power between central (national) and state (regional) governments.
• U.S. Constitution has a federal system.
• Unitary system has power held by a single (central) government.
• Enumerated powers: federal (national) government.
• Reserved powers: states, under 10th Amendment.
• Concurrent powers: federal and state governments.
• Necessary and Proper Clause: "Elastic" Clause.
• Supremacy Clause: federal law is "supreme" law.
• Dual Federalism: "layered (marble)" cake, separate responsibilities.

Answer:

• Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between the \underline{\textbf{central (national)}} government and \underline{\textbf{state (regional)}} governments.
• The U.S. Constitution provides for a system of \underline{\textbf{federal}} government.
• Key difference from a unitary system: In a unitary system, power is held by \underline{\textbf{a single (central) government}}.
• a. Enumerated powers: Powers granted to the \underline{\textbf{federal (national)}} government.
• b. Reserved powers: Powers kept by the \underline{\textbf{states}} under the \underline{\textbf{10th}} Amendment.
• c. Concurrent powers: Powers shared by \underline{\textbf{federal government}} and \underline{\textbf{state governments}}.
• d. The Necessary and Proper Clause (also called the “\underline{\textbf{Elastic}} Clause”) expands federal authority.
• e. The Supremacy Clause declares that federal law is the “\underline{\textbf{supreme}} law of the land.”
• 1. Dual Federalism (1789–1937): Known as “\underline{\textbf{layered (marble)}} cake federalism.” National and state governments had \underline{\textbf{separate (distinct)}} responsibilities.