AP US Government : Relationship with Federalism

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

Example Question #32 : Public Policy

A Unitary State is best defined as __________.

Possible Answers:

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

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

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

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

a state that is heavily divided between sectarian and bipartisan politics

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 #1 : Relationship With Federalism

Which of these statements about categorical grants is true?

Possible Answers:

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

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

They are prescribed for a fixed and narrow purpose.

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

They were first issued under the New Deal program 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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