POLITICAL SCIENCE EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
Define Federalism - ANSWER-power is divided between state and national government
equally
What are 3 features of Federalism? - ANSWER-*Both levels have their own agencies
and officials
*Both levels pass laws that directly affect citizens
*Both levels have power to do things the other can't
What system of government wasn't working? Why? - ANSWER-Confederation System
wasn't working because the national government was to weak to govern effectively;
states had to much power.
What is the Unitary System? - ANSWER-A sovereign state governed as a single. The
central gov. is supreme and central gov. delegated power to states
What are expressed powers? - ANSWER-powers directly granted to central gov. by
Constitution
Examples of expressed powers - ANSWER-issue money; collect taxes; pay gov. debt;
declare war; raise and maintain military
What does the "elastic clause" state? - ANSWER-Congress has the power to makes all
laws deemed necessary and proper for carrying out powers of the Constitution
Why is it called the "elastic clause" - ANSWER-used to stretch government power
Examples of the "elastic clause" - ANSWER-build highways, regulate food and
medicine, collect income tax
Define Inherent Powers - ANSWER-powers that belong to the US government simply
because it national government
Examples of Inherent Powers - ANSWER-acquire new territory, conduct foreign affairs
Define Reserved Powers - ANSWER-not specifically mentioned in the Constitution but
belong to the states because the Constitution neither gives them to the national
government nor says the states can't have them
Examples of reserved powers - ANSWER-regulate marriage, form local government,
control public schools, set drivers licence regulations, issue professional licenses
WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
Define Federalism - ANSWER-power is divided between state and national government
equally
What are 3 features of Federalism? - ANSWER-*Both levels have their own agencies
and officials
*Both levels pass laws that directly affect citizens
*Both levels have power to do things the other can't
What system of government wasn't working? Why? - ANSWER-Confederation System
wasn't working because the national government was to weak to govern effectively;
states had to much power.
What is the Unitary System? - ANSWER-A sovereign state governed as a single. The
central gov. is supreme and central gov. delegated power to states
What are expressed powers? - ANSWER-powers directly granted to central gov. by
Constitution
Examples of expressed powers - ANSWER-issue money; collect taxes; pay gov. debt;
declare war; raise and maintain military
What does the "elastic clause" state? - ANSWER-Congress has the power to makes all
laws deemed necessary and proper for carrying out powers of the Constitution
Why is it called the "elastic clause" - ANSWER-used to stretch government power
Examples of the "elastic clause" - ANSWER-build highways, regulate food and
medicine, collect income tax
Define Inherent Powers - ANSWER-powers that belong to the US government simply
because it national government
Examples of Inherent Powers - ANSWER-acquire new territory, conduct foreign affairs
Define Reserved Powers - ANSWER-not specifically mentioned in the Constitution but
belong to the states because the Constitution neither gives them to the national
government nor says the states can't have them
Examples of reserved powers - ANSWER-regulate marriage, form local government,
control public schools, set drivers licence regulations, issue professional licenses
