AP US Government : Relationship with Federalism

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Policy Relations

A Unitary State is best defined as __________.

Possible Answers:

a state in which power is shared equally between the central Federal government and the states and districts

a state that is heavily divided between sectarian and bipartisan politics

a state in which partisan politics are put aside for the common good of the nation

a state that is governed by one dominant political party, through which the majority exercises complete dominance over the political arena

a state centrally governed by the Federal government, in which the states and districts have only those powers delegated them by the Federal government

Correct answer:

a state centrally governed by the Federal government, in which the states and districts have only those powers delegated them by the Federal government

Explanation:

A Unitary State, in contrast with a Federalist or Confederal state, is a state that is dominated exclusively by the central Federal government. Many of the modern European powers are Unitary States, but the United States of America is a Federal state, where powers are shared between the central government and the states.

Example Question #2 : Policy Relations

Which of these statements about categorical grants is true?

Possible Answers:

They were first issued under the New Deal program of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

They are established solely to encourage the increased availability of education.

They are prescribed for a fixed and narrow purpose.

They can be used for broad and non-specific purposes.

They were made illegal under the New Deal programs of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Correct answer:

They are prescribed for a fixed and narrow purpose.

Explanation:

Categorical grants issued by the United States government are issued with a fixed and narrow purpose in mind. The money is given to local or state governments under the assurance that it will be used for a specific purpose decided at the Federal level, often education. They differ from block grants, which offer the local or state government a much broader scope for the use of the money.

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