Govt. Unit 5 Review: Our Federal System

Lily, Rohan, and Benjamin are discussing the powers granted to the states by our Constitution. They disagreed on one point. Which of the following is NOT a power granted to the states according to their discussion?

• to provide safety

• to issue driver's licenses

• to create an army

• to provide protection

Answer explanation

The US Constitution does not grant states the power to create an army; this is a power reserved for the federal government. The other options listed - providing safety, issuing driver's licenses, and providing protection - are all powers that fall under the purview of the states.

Who makes federal laws?

• the U.S. legislature

• Congress

• Senate & the House of Representatives

• All of the answer choices

The major benefit of having the elastic clause of the United States Constitution is that it

• protects the rights of racial minorities

• allows the government to change and be flexible without amending the Constitution

• prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful

• establishes a postal service

Answer explanation

The elastic clause, also known as the 'necessary and proper clause', provides the government with the flexibility to adapt its powers to the changing needs and demands of society. It does not explicitly relate to protecting minorities, preventing power concentration, or establishing a postal service. Therefore, the option 'allows the government to change and be flexible without amending the Constitution' accurately captures the essence of the elastic clause.

Aria, Elijah, and Samuel are participating in a school debate. The topic is about issues still debated in terms of state and national government holding certain powers. Which of the following is NOT an issue they would debate about?

• War

• Education

• Marriage laws

• Welfare and public assistance

Answer explanation

The question asks which topic is not still debated in terms of state and national government holding certain powers. The correct answer is 'War'. The power to declare war is not disputed as it is clearly given to the national government by the US Constitution. Issues like Education, Marriage laws, and Welfare are subjects of ongoing debate between state and national jurisdictions.

Abigail, Oliver, and Nora are discussing why federalism is a favored form of government in their civics class. They conclude that it is because it:

• keeps one level of government, like the school board, from gaining too much power

• encourages states, like their home state, to rule on their own

• encourages the central government, like the federal government, to have all of the power

• keeps the states, like their neighboring state, from having any power

Answer explanation

The question asks why federalism is a favored form of government. The correct answer is that it 'keeps one level of government from gaining too much power.' This is because federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, preventing any one entity from gaining too much power. This balance of power is one of the key reasons federalism is favored.

What is the term used for powers given to the national government simply because they are the government of a sovereign nation?

• Exclusive

• Concurrent

• Implied

• Inherent

Answer explanation

The term used for powers given to the national government simply because they are the government of a sovereign nation is known as 'Exclusive'. These powers are exclusive to the national government, meaning they are not shared with any other level of government and are inherent to the central government.

Which of the following is NOT an Expressed power?

• Coin money

• Levy/collect taxes

• Declare war

• Conduct elections

Answer explanation

The power to conduct elections is not an Expressed or Exclusive power of the federal government. Expressed powers are those specifically named in the Constitution like coining money, levying/collecting taxes, and declaring war. The power to conduct elections is reserved for the states.

Priya, Charlotte, and Aiden are discussing the connection between the national government and state governments. What is the main connection they should focus on?

• They both decide the winning candidate in elections.

• They both declare war on foreign nations.

• They both share lawmaking power.

• They both determine city ordinances.

Answer explanation

The national government and state governments in the United States are connected by a division of powers known as federalism. Under this system, both the federal and state governments share lawmaking power. While the federal government has authority on national matters, states have control on local and state matters, allowing them to make laws within their jurisdiction. This power-sharing enables both to operate independently yet cooperatively.

Which type of government is being described by the following outline? • Power is shared between federal and state/local governments. • Power struggles between federal and state/local governments can happen. • Governing large or populous nations is efficient.

• Unitary

• Fascist

• Federal

• Confederal

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Federal. The question describes a federal system of government where power is shared between the central and state/local governments. This system can lead to power struggles between the two levels of government. It's efficient in governing large or populous nations due to the division and sharing of powers.

Identify the concurrent power of state and federal governments.

• The power to declare war

• The power to regulate interstate commerce

• The power to tax

• The power to set up schools

Answer explanation

The concurrent power is the authority that is shared by both state and federal governments. The ability to tax is an example of this kind of power, as it is a responsibility that both levels of government share.