Name: _____________________
Date: _____________________
POLS-1000 Study Guide: Chapter 3 - Federalism
Section 3-1:
1. Federalism can be defined as:
The division of power between the states and the federal government
2. Describe the differences and give examples between each of the following:
a. Unitary System:
Political structures which only have one level of authority
b. Federal System:
System which power is shared between, state and federal government, two
levels.
c. Confederal System:
A government of the states by the states
3. How did the founders solve the problem of passing laws that weren’t explicitly stated in
the Constitution?
The founders added the necessary and proper clause, which allowed them to enact laws
necessary for there enumerated powers.
4. What is Nullification? Can states exercise nullification today? Explain.
Nullification is cancelling, the states can not exnact nullificaation on federal law today.
5. What is the difference between dual and cooperative federalism? Give examples of
each. Dual federalism is where the state and federal governments act in separate
spheres of influence with clearly defined powers, one example is that the state
government handles education while the national government handles national deffense
with no cooperation. Cooperative federalism is a system where the federal and state
governments work together, for example the federal government passes a law and state
chooses how to implement it the best for its people.
Section 3-2:
6. Explain and discuss the following:
a. Initiative:
Initiative is the process of placing a proposed item on the ballot by the citizens
b. Referendum:
Measure on the ballot for voter to directly approve or reject laws and policiesthat
have already been proposed
c. Recall:
The process of unvoting ann elected official.
7. Do you agree or disagree with ballot initiatives and referendums? Explain and defend
your answer in detail.
I do agree with initiatives and refferendums, due to the fact that it places the power right
onto the people.
8. Each state government could be called a “laboratory of democracy.” What does this
mean?
This means that the states are a laboratory of democracy due to the fact that they
choses there own implementation of the federal governments rules and regulations.
Section 3-3:
9. Discuss the following and explain in detail:
a. Grants-in-aid:
Federal funding granted for an individual or program.
b. Categorical grants:
Money granted to the state and federal governments with strict restrictions on
spending
c. Block Grants:
A grant from the federal government in which the state can choose where to
place money out of a wide variety.
10. What are conditions of aid and mandates? How do they affect grants-in-aid?
Section 3-4:
11. Explain the concept of Devolution:
The process of transferring power from higher levels of government to lower levels, to
give them more choice,
12. Do you think we will see more “Devolution?” Or do you think the Federal Government
will increase in their size and power? Explain your answer.
I think that the federal government will increase in power as our world moves on, making
federal power more important for the protection of our citizens.