Download Chapter 3 – “Federalism” – Study Guide

AP Government
Mrs. Ball
Name _____________________________________
Chapter 3: Federalism
Read the chapter. Please answer the following questions thoroughly on separate paper
in complete sentences.
1. Define the term “Federalism,” (or Federal System). How does it differ from a unitary system and a
confederation? Explain why Federalist supporters of the Constitution promoted the federal system.
2. How does the “supremacy clause” relate to federalism?
3. Explain the powers of the national government (or Congress) as expressed through:
a) necessary and proper clause
b) enumerated powers
c) implied powers
4. What are the reserve or police powers? (give examples) Where in the Constitution are these powers
given to states? What are the concurrent powers?
5. What powers are denied to the states? Why? What powers are denied to both national and state
governments?
6. Explain the guarantees and protections the states received in the Constitution, in return for giving up
some power? (include the Full Faith and Credit Clause, Privileges and Immunities Clause, Extradition
Clause, and interstate compacts) – and see Article IV, Section 4.
7. How did the New Deal era bring an end to the era of dual federalism? What is the term for the new
relationship between the national and state governments that began with the New Deal?
8. Historically, how have federal grants affected federal/state relations? What are categorical grants?
9. How did the Johnson administration alter state/federal government relations?
10. Explain Reagan’s “New Federalism,” and his new block grant program. By 1992, what four
categories did most block grants fall into? How did Reagan’s program lead to competition among the
states?
11. What is meant by the “Devolution Revolution”? How has the national government pre-empted the
powers of the states? What is an “unfunded mandate?”
12. Explain what the authors describe as the “new judicial federalism,” and give examples (HINT: see
quote from Linda Greenhouse on p. 119)
13. What is meant by “sovereign immunity?” Has the Supreme Court protected this right of the states?