Federalism Review

​ (a)   powers are granted to the state governments.

• Reserved
• enumerated
• expressed
• delegated

​ (a)   or expressed powers are given to the Federal government.

• Enumerated
• reserved
• concurrent

Match the following examples of powers to the correct level of government.

• Reserved

• Coin/Print Money

• Local

• Collect Taxes

• Concurrent

• Make & Enforce Laws

• Concurrent

• Conduct Elections

• Enumerated or Expressed

• Garbage Collection

The many small children who live on your neighborhood street love to play outdoors. Unfortunately, the traffic on your street moves too fast, creating a safety hazard. You would like to have a sign installed warning drivers to slow down and watch out for children at play. Which level of government would you contact?

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

Answer explanation

Since it involves your neighborhood, the level of government would be local.

You served in the U.S. Army for eight years and are planning to attend college on the G.I. Bill (a college scholarship provided by the government to military veterans). Which level of government would you contact to make sure you receive your G.I. Bill benefits? 

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

Answer explanation

Since it involves the military, it would be a federal power. The federal government has the enumerated or expressed power to raise and support an army & navy.

You have just moved from Casper, Wyoming to Tallahassee, Florida and you need a driver’s license. Which level of government would you contact?

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

Answer explanation

States have the reserved power to issue licenses, such as driver's license, professional licenses (teacher, embalmer), etc.

Your neighbor has put up a fence on your property but he is sure that the fence is on his property. Which level of government would you contact to help settle the issue?

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

You want to go to Washington, D.C. and visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (makes money). Which level of government oversees or monitors this department?

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

Answer explanation

The federal government has the enumerate or expressed power to coin and print money. The hint is the location (Washington, D.C.)

You are interested in how your tax money is being spent by the government. Which level of government would you contact?

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

• This is a concurrent (shared) power, so I would contact multiple levels.

Answer explanation

Taxes are collected from all three levels, so this is a shared (concurrent) power.

You want to vote in the upcoming election, but are unsure if you have the right qualifications. Which level of government would you contact?

• Federal

  (Washington, D.C.)

• State

  (Florida)

• Local

  (Deltona)

• Concurrent Power

  (Shared)

Answer explanation

States make up the voting requirements, but you register locally, so this would be a concurrent (shared) power.