The Evolution of American Federalism

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court invoked which provisions of the constitution?

  1. Tenth Amendment and spending clause
  2. commerce clause and supremacy clause
  3. necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause
  4. taxing power and necessary and proper clause

Hint:

C

Which statement about new federalism is not true?

  1. New federalism was launched by President Nixon and continued by President Reagan.
  2. New federalism is based on the idea that decentralization of responsibility enhances administrative efficiency.
  3. United States v. Lopez is a Supreme Court ruling that advanced the logic of new federalism.
  4. President Reagan was able to promote new federalism consistently throughout his administration.

Which is not a merit of cooperative federalism?

  1. Federal cooperation helps mitigate the problem of collective action among states.
  2. Federal assistance encourages state and local governments to generate positive externalities.
  3. Cooperative federalism respects the traditional jurisdictional boundaries between states and federal government.
  4. Federal assistance ensures some degree of uniformity of public services across states.

Hint:

C

What are the main differences between cooperative federalism and dual federalism?

What were the implications of McCulloch v. Maryland for federalism?

Hint:

The McCulloch decision established the doctrine of implied powers, meaning the federal government can create policy instruments deemed necessary and appropriate to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. The case also affirmed the principle of national supremacy embodied in Article VI of the Constitution, namely, that the Constitution and legitimate federal laws trump state laws.