Exploring Federalism: States vs. Federal Government

The video tutorial covers the concept of federalism, explaining the allocation of power between national and state governments. It introduces exclusive, reserved, and concurrent powers, and discusses fiscal federalism through grants like categorical and block grants. The video also covers mandates, including unfunded mandates, and how these affect state compliance with federal standards. The tutorial concludes with a review of the shifting balance of power over time.

What does federalism primarily describe?

• The power of the federal government

• The process of electing federal officials

• The laws governing federal agencies

• The division of power between national and state governments

Which amendment justifies reserved powers for the states?

• Tenth Amendment

• Fourteenth Amendment

• First Amendment

• Fifth Amendment

What is an example of concurrent powers shared by state and federal governments?

• Foreign diplomacy

• Taxation

• Declaring war

• Education

What was the first significant step by the federal government into education?

• Higher Education Act

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

• Civil Rights Act of 1964

• No Child Left Behind Act

What type of grant gives states more freedom in spending federal funds?

• Block grants

• Discretionary grants

• Categorical grants

• Mandated grants

What is a key characteristic of an unfunded mandate?

• States receive extra funding

• Federal government provides guidelines only

• States must fund the mandate themselves

• It is optional for states to comply

Which president initiated the 'devolution revolution'?

• George W. Bush

• Lyndon B. Johnson

• Bill Clinton

• Ronald Reagan

What does the Supremacy Clause in the Constitution imply?

• Federal and state laws are always in agreement

• States have the right to declare war

• Federal laws take precedence over state laws

• State laws override federal laws

What is the primary purpose of block grants?

• To enforce federal standards strictly

• To provide states with funding for specific projects

• To give states discretion in how to spend federal funds

• To mandate state compliance with federal laws

How has the balance of power between state and federal governments shifted over time?

• It has remained constant

• It has progressively favored the federal government

• It has increasingly favored state governments

• It has shifted back and forth depending on societal needs