Understanding Federalism

What is federalism?

• A system dividing power between different levels of government.

• A system governed solely by local governments.

• A system where all power is centralized.

• A system where states have no power.

Why did the founding fathers choose federalism?

• To ensure the dominance of the national government

• To eliminate state governments

• To balance power between national and state governments

• To create a single-party system

What was a major flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

• It gave too much power to the national government.

• It did not allow states to have their own armies.

• It abolished state governments.

• It made the national government too weak.

What was a consequence of the Articles of Confederation's weakness?

• The US became a monarchy

• States acted like independent countries

• The national government controlled everything

• There were no taxes

Who were key figures at the Constitutional Convention?

• George Washington and John Adams

• James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, and James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin

• Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr

What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention?

• To expand the territories of the US

• To abolish the monarchy

• To declare independence from Britain

• To create a new system of government

What are the three levels of government in the United States?

• National, State, Local

• Federal, State, City

• Central, Regional, District

• National, Provincial, Municipal

What does the national government have the exclusive power to do?

• Declare war

• Issue driver's licenses

• Educate students

• Regulate zoning laws

What is one responsibility of state governments?

• Printing money

• Setting educational standards

• Signing treaties

• Declaring war

What role do local governments play in federalism?

• They only enforce national laws

• They have no role

• They take care of community-specific needs

• They declare war