Federal connects, Popular Participation, The Bill of Rights

The Constitution gives some powers only to the _______government(s). These powers are best put to use by one central authority. They include powers such as declaring war and making treaties. The Constitution also says that only the ______ government can print and coin money.

• local, national

• state, national

• national, national

• local and state, national

Answer explanation

The Constitution grants specific powers, like declaring war and printing money, solely to the national government. These powers are most effectively managed by a central authority, hence the correct answer is 'national, national'.

This is known as the ________ Clause. It gives the national government the power to control interstate commerce.

• Commerce

• Business

• Commercial

• Clonidine

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Commerce' because the Commerce Clause in the U.S. Constitution grants the national government the authority to regulate interstate commerce, making it a key aspect of federal power.

The Constitution does not list specific powers of the states. Instead, it says that the states keep -

__________________

• limited power not given to the national government

• the right to decide slavery on their own

• the power to regulate interstate trade

• any powers not given to the national government

Answer explanation

The Constitution reserves any powers not explicitly granted to the national government for the states. This principle is outlined in the Tenth Amendment, affirming that states retain all powers not delegated to the federal government.

Article IV of the Constitution does, however, outline the responsibilities of states to each other.

• III (3)

• IV (4)

• X (10)

• XVII (17)

Federal and state governments also share some powers. For example, both levels of government can collect taxes.

• curtail free speech

• establish political parties

• establish religions

• collect taxes

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'collect taxes' because both federal and state governments have the power to levy taxes, as stated in the question. The other options do not represent shared powers between the two levels of government.

Which of the following powers are held by the federal government?

check all correct answers

• establishing a national religion

• printing money

• declaring war

• issuing marriage licenses

• establishing a postal system

Answer explanation

The federal government has the power to print money, declare war, and establish a postal system. Establishing a national religion and issuing marriage licenses are powers reserved for the states.

The framers of the Constitution wanted to design a government based on the _____ of the people

• vote

• will

• census

• religion

Answer explanation

The framers aimed to create a government reflecting the 'will' of the people, emphasizing popular sovereignty. This principle ensures that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed.

the Constitution establishes the principle of _______ rule.

• majority

• minority

• judicial

• sovereignty

Answer explanation

The Constitution establishes the principle of majority rule, meaning that decisions are made based on the preferences of more than half of the participants, ensuring that the majority's voice is heard in governance.

Which example demonstrates how interest groups might operate?

• 1. The Catholic Coalition donates to candidates that have their interests in mind.

• 1. Farmers United comes before Congress to talk about altering agricultural laws.

• 1. The US Immigrant Association holds a rally in Los Angeles to promote new legislation making the process of citizenship easier.

• 1. The Oil Syndicate runs an attack ad against candidates supporting solar energy.

• The National Education Association endorses candidates that support Public School

Answer explanation

Interest groups operate by influencing policy and candidates. The Catholic Coalition's donations, Farmers United's congressional talks, the US Immigrant Association's rally, and the Oil Syndicate's attack ads all exemplify this.

The adoption of the Constitution depended on ratification, or approval. _____ of the 13 states had to approve it.

• 10

• 7

• 9

• 13

Answer explanation

The Constitution required ratification by 9 of the 13 states to become effective. This was established to ensure a sufficient consensus among the states, making 9 the correct answer.