Politics of the United States Questions
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Since the end of World War II, the federal government's spending as a percentage of GDP has __________.-decreased steadily-increased steadily-remained at roughly the same level-experienced significant fluctuations
State funding for public education is best characterized as __________.-uniformly low and decreasing-uniformly low, but increasing-highly uneven across states-relatively high, due to federal matching funds
How did the Supreme Court define interstate commerce in Gibbons v. Ogden?-as virtually every form of commercial activity-as only economic activities related to the federal government's enumerated powers-as only economic activities related to the federal government's implied powers-as only economic activities that cross state boundaries
Which of the following is an example of devolution?-requiring states to enforce immigration laws-requiring states to expand Medicaid-repealing federal speed limits-stiffening penalties for criminals
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of unitary government?-the relationship between the national government and American states-the relationships among the American states-the relationship between American states and local governments-the relationships among member countries in the European Union
What factor is associated with whether a state has the death penalty?-its funding for prisons-its murder rate-its partisan make-up-its population size
What distinguishes categorical grants from block grants?-Categorical grants account for a smaller share of federal funding to states.-Unlike block grants, categorical grants are distributed on the basis of population.-Unlike block grants, categorical grants come with strings attached.-Unlike block grants, categorical grants typically involve crossover sanctions.
Which of the following is a limit on the supremacy of national law over state law?-National law must be consistent with state law.-National law must be consistent with the Constitution.-National law must be in place prior to state law. -National law must be broader in scope than state law.
One way that federalism contributes to democracy is by __________.-giving the national government supremacy over states-keeping government out of economic affairs-reducing complexity of the governing process-decentralizing politics and allowing a pluralism of interests
The full faith and credit clause makes it possible for courts to enforce __________.-contracts between business firms across state boundaries-extradition orders-laws allowing lower college tuition for in-state students-laws mandating a uniform sales tax
What do the Supreme Court cases United States v. Lopez and United States v Morrison have in common?-They both rely on broad interpretations of the Tenth Amendment.-They both assert the supremacy of national law over state law. -They both rely on limited interpretations of the interstate commerce clause. -They both identify implied powers of the national government.
What do child labor laws, minimum-wage legislation, and civil rights protections have in common?-They were pioneered at the state level.-They were initially funded by categorical grants.-They are subject to crosscutting requirements.-They follow the model of dual federalism.
One advantage of federalism is that it __________.-encourages bipartisan cooperation-discourages untested policy ideas-encourages policy innovation at the state level-discourages states from reducing social services
A typical feature of a government program involving cooperative federalism is __________.-crosscutting requirements-separate roles for the federal and state governments-shared costs-transfer of authority to local governments
What happened to the quasi-federal system of the former Soviet Union?-The national government dissolved, and smaller unitary governments formed. -Although the national government dissolved, the quasi-federal system remained in place-After the Soviet Union dissolved, smaller states formed into a confederationAfter the Soviet Union broke apart, federalism remained in Russia.
What is the most common system of government in the world?-confederate government-federalism-republicanism-unitary government
What do all countries with federal systems have in common?-All have large populations-All are linguistically diverse-All are democracies-All are ethnically diverse
Which of the following countries has a federal system of government?-France-China-Indonesia-Canada
Why would state officials prefer block grants over other types of federal grants?-Unlike other grants, block grants are administrated by the federal government.-Unlike other grants, block grants are distributed to all states.-Block grants are typically larger than other federal grants.-Block grants give states broad discretion in how to use the funds.
Which statement best describes the power of state governments in federal systems?-States share power with the central government.-States can overrule the central government on most matters.-States are less powerful than the central government. -States have few or no powers.