US Federal System 4

Question 1

Which constitutional process allows the federal government to force states to comply with federal standards by threatening to withhold highway funds?

Accepted Answer

Conditional spending

Answer

In South Dakota v. Dole (1987), the Supreme Court upheld Congress's use of conditional spending to induce states to raise the drinking age.

Question 2

The Seventeenth Amendment changed federalism by providing for:

Accepted Answer

Direct election of U.S. Senators by the people

Answer

Before the 17th Amendment, U.S. Senators were chosen by state legislatures, giving states direct representation in Congress.

Question 3

What does 'devolution' refer to in the context of American federalism?

Accepted Answer

Shifting power and responsibilities from the federal government to state governments

Answer

Devolution is the transfer of federal authority back to states, a trend associated with the 1980s Reagan-era 'New Federalism.'

Question 4

The Printz v. United States (1997) Supreme Court decision held that the federal government CANNOT:

Accepted Answer

Commandeer state executive officers to enforce federal law

Answer

Printz struck down a provision of the Brady Act requiring state sheriffs to conduct background checks, ruling it violated the anti-commandeering principle.

Question 5

Which original constitutional design feature was intended to give states a direct voice in the national government?

Accepted Answer

State appointment of U.S. Senators

Answer

Originally, Article I provided that U.S. Senators would be chosen by state legislatures, ensuring state governments had institutional representation in Congress.

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Federal System 4