Federalism

A school bus stop is located on a city street without a crosswalk. Many students who use the bus stop line on the opposite side of the street. This requires the students to cross a busy intersection to get their bus. 

What is the most effective strategy for getting the bus stop moved?

• petition the school board

• speak to the bus driver

• write letters to the U.S. President

• file a grievance with the local courts

"Classrooms are overcrowded. I expect you to take action!"

Which is a solution to the citizen’s problem?

• The mayor hosts a meeting to address the concerns.

• The Florida voters suggest legislation to address the issue.

• The city manager conducts building inspections.

• The U.S. Secretary of Education changes class size requirements.

Concurrent powers

• The federal government has supremacy over state governments.

• The federal government follows the lead of state governments.

• The federal government shares powers with the state governments.

• The federal government sets standards that state governments must follow.

Which power is delegated to the federal government?

• conducting elections

• establishing courts

• taxing citizens

• coining money

Example of Reserved powers

• establishing and funding a system of public education

• raising and maintaining a navy

• declaring war and governing combat

• setting and fixing the standards of weights and measures

Which is the last step in amending the U.S. Constitution?

• The president signs the amendment in a public ceremony.

• Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify the amendment.

• The voters approve the amendment in a national election.

• Two-thirds of both houses of Congress ratify the amendment.

The passage below was written by U.S. Senator Barack Obama in his 2006 book, The Audacity of Hope.

"I see democracy as a conversation to be had...It provides us with a framework and rules, but all its machinery are designed to force us into a conversation."

Based on the passage, which statement about the amendment process would Senator Obama most likely support?

• The U.S. Constitution is easy to amend.

• The ratification process allows the president to reflect public views.

• The U.S. Constitution is difficult to amend.

• The ratification process allows governors to reflect public views.

Which laws are passed by the Florida legislature?

• acts

• charters

• ordinances

• statutes

How is the structure of Florida's government similar to the structure of the federal government?

• both have a legislative branch with two chambers

• both have Supreme Court justices who serve for life

• both have an executive branch headed by a president

• both have nine Supreme Court justices

Which of the following is a shared obligation of the federal, state, and local governments?

• coining money

• constructing roads and highways

• issuing passports

• making treaties with foreign nations