GOVT 2301
Fall 2002
Study Guide – Exam #3
ESSAY QUESTIONS. Answer the following questions in a thorough essay (separate
essay for each question). Organize your essay(s) around a thesis statement. Include
an introduction, separate paragraphs developing your supporting arguments, and a
conclusion. A complete answer is one that addresses all parts of the question. Write
complete sentences and pay attention to spelling, grammar, and word choice. Do
NOT assume that “the instructor will know what you mean.”
1. What is federalism? Why do some nations choose federalism instead of a unitary
system? Provide examples of some nations that have federal systems and some
that have unitary systems. How are the groups of nations alike? How are they
different? [Based on Chapter 3 in the Greenberg text.]
2. Discuss the pros and cons of federalism. Identify at least four advantages of
federalism. Identify at least three counter arguments against federalism. [Based
on Chapter 3 in the Greenberg text.]
3. Discuss the growth of grants-in-aid to state and local governments during the 20th
century. Distinguish among the types of grants that have been used. How are
they alike? How are they different? Identify the factors that had an impact on the
slowdown of federal grants-in-aid in the latter part of the 20th century. [Based on
Chapter 3 in the Greenberg text.]
4. Contrast Marshall’s and Taney’s interpretations of federalism. Specifically,
identify each man’s position on [1] the doctrine of implied powers versus the
reserved powers of the states, [2] the relationship between the national
government and the states, [3] constitutional interpretation.
5. Discuss federalism in the U.S. as a cultural system. Identify the types of political
culture in Elazar’s scheme, explaining (1) their differences in attitudes and
orientations toward government, politics, and public policy and (2) their
geographical (regional) patterns.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS. Answer the following questions in a paragraph (a
separate paragraph for each question). Do NOT answer specific parts as separate
items. Integrate your responses into a well-organized, well-constructed paragraph.
A complete answer is one that addresses all parts of the question. Write complete
sentences and pay attention to spelling, grammar, and word choice. Do NOT assume
that “the instructor will know what you mean.”
1. Identify and discuss the characteristics common to all federal systems.
2. Why was a Bill of Rights not originally included in the Constitution but added
later?
3. Discuss the significant constitutional issues in MISSOURI V HOLLAND (1920). What are
the implications of this case for federalism?
4. Explain how Article I, section 8:18 and Article VI, paragraph 2, on the one hand,
and the 10th Amendment, on the other hand, reflect a conflict between two
opposing political philosophies with regard to federalism.
5. What is the difference between the Hamiltonian and Jeffersonian views of the
Constitution? Discuss the lineage of each interpretation from Jefferson to Reagan
and from Hamilton to Brennan.
6. Why did the turn of the 20th century usher in a new era of “cooperative
federalism” between the national government on the one hand and states and
localities on the other?
7. Discuss the fiscal dilemma of American federalism during the 20th century. What
was the significance of the 16th Amendment for intergovernmental relations?
8. Distinguish among three types of grant-in-aid programs that were used during the
20th century. How do they differ?
9. Diagram and briefly discuss Wright’s three models of intergovernmental relations
in the federal system.
10. Discuss the importance of the due process clause and the equal protection clause
of the 14th Amendment. [Based on Chapter 3 in the Greenberg text.]
11. Does federalism enhance or inhibit the practice of democracy in the U.S.? Use
historical examples to support your argument. [Based on Chapter 3 in the
Greenberg text.]
12. How have mandates and conditions on aid helped to increase the powers of the
national government? [Based on Chapter 3 in the Greenberg text.]
IDENTIFICATION ITEMS. Define and identify the importance of the following items.
These items can generally be answered in two or three sentences. Students should
go beyond simple definitions of the terms or concepts to say why each is important.
It is possible that two terms may be paired in identification items. Your answer
should be written to demonstrate your familiarity with and understanding of both
terms or concepts in each pair. In this case, you should explain why the two are
juxtaposed.
[These columns are not necessarily intended to represent pairs of terms that might be
juxtaposed on the exam.]
-federalism
-unitary system
-confederacy
-10th Amendment
-Bill of Rights
-Federalists
-Anti-Federalists
-Article I, section 8:18
-Article VI, par. 2
-reserved powers
-expressly delegated powers
-implied delegated powers
-Alexander Hamilton
-Thomas Jefferson
-John Marshall
-Roger Taney
-“national federalism”
-“dual federalism”
-MCCULLOCH V MARYLAND (1819)
-MISSOURI V HOLLAND (1920)
-“nationalization of the Bill of Rights”
-doctrine of selective incorporation
-due process clause
-equal protection clause
-Supremacy Clause
-grants-in-aid
-categorical grants
-block grants
-revenue sharing
-moralistic culture
-individualistic culture
-traditionalistic culture