Federalism and Government Powers Quiz

Which phrase describes the system of federalism established by the United States Constitution?

• The restriction of the government to exercise only powers granted to it by the people

• The ability of one branch of government to restrain to powers of the other branches

• The distribution of powers among independent branches of government

• The division of powers between the National Government and the States

Separation of powers is a defining principle of the U.S. government. Identify some of the powers reserved for the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Circle 3 choices.

• Interpret Laws

• Declare War

• Make Taxes

• Sentence Offenders

• Establish Judicial Procedures

The Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of the federal government each have specific powers. Which power belongs to the judicial branch?

• Enforcing Laws

• Interpreting Laws

• Passing Resolutions

• Recognizing Foreign Nations

Which branch or branches of the federal government enforce the laws?

• Judicial

• Executive

• Legislative and Judicial

• Judicial and Executive

what level state or federal does this? (a)   raise sales tax

what level state or federal does this? (a)   regulate foreign trade

"We the People of the United States...do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Which basic principle of government is introduced in the Preamble?

• Federalism

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

An excerpt from the debate over the ratification is shown. What viewpoint does this excerpt demonstrate?

• The Federalist viewpoint that the federal law should be supreme to state law when they conflict

• The Federalist viewpoint that the Constitution will address the weaknesses of the prior system of government

• The Anti-Federalist viewpoint that a powerful national government poses a threat to the civil liberties of individual citizens

• The Anti-Federalist viewpoint that the Constitution should grant state governments the power to overturn laws at the national level

The Constitution establishes basic principles of government in the United States. An excerpt from Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution is shown. Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated ... Which principle of government is reflected in this portion of the Constitution?

• Federalism

• Limited Government

• Popular sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

How does this portion of the Constitution reflect this principle?

• It reserves powers to the states

• It keeps certain rights with the people

• It one branch to constrain another

• It allows citizens to have a say in their government