Federalism and Constitution Quiz

Which of these is a reason that the Founding Fathers created a federal system of government?

• They wanted representation in Congress to be based entirely on population
• they did not want the president to be as powerful as a monarch
• People need government to maintain order
• They wanted to split power between national and state governments

The Anti-Federalists insisted on a Bill of Rights because they were concerned that

• the Constitution would not include separation of powers
• the new national government could trample on individual rights
• representation in the Senate would be based on population
• small states would have as much power as large states

Which type of economic system does the government play the smallest role?

• capitalism
• communism
• mixed economy
• socialism

How does federalism affect state governments and how they govern themselves?

• state governments are allowed to act on federal matters
• state governments can rule on local issues
• the federal government can appoint state governors
• the federal government has absolute control of state governments

Which of the following best describes the formal process of amending the Constitution?

• Propose an amendment and then have the citizens vote on it
• Propose an amendment and then have state legislatures ratify it
• Ratify an amendment and then propose it to be voted on by Congress
• Vote on an amendment and then have Congress ratify it

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in the United States?

• Congress passes laws by unanimous vote
• Congress vetoes laws passed by the president
• The president appoints judges to the Supreme Court
• The president passes laws in Congress

How are state governments like the federal government?

• all have a unicameral legislature
• they both appoint a governor to head the executive branch
• they both have a judiciary with courts to uphold laws
• they both put all power in the hands of a central government

What is the main reason that the Founders created federalism?

• to make elections more fair
• to prevent a takeover from England or France
• to protect themselves from an all-powerful central government
• to put all power in the hands of a central government

State laws

• are enforced by federal marshals
• can be enacted only every other year
• cannot be prohibited by the Constitution or national law
• involve both intrastate and interstate commerce

What can Maryland do if a fugitive flees to Delaware and Delaware refuses to extradite the fugitive back to Maryland

• If Delaware grants the fugitive a pardon, Maryland can do nothing
• If the fugitive asks for asylum in Delaware, Maryland can do nothing
• Maryland can ask the federal government to intervene
• Maryland would have to grant a pardon to the fugitive