Federalism Court Cases

Question 1

Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

Created a weak central government and gave the state government a lot more power. Ultimately was not very effective and was later changed.

Question 2

Preamble to the Constitution

Answer 2

Communicates the intentions of the Constitution: To establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.

Question 3

Article I (Section 8)

Answer 3

Gives the national government power to do whatever is deemed necessary and proper. (Necessary and proper clause) The source of Congress’ implied powers.

Question 4

Article IV

Answer 4

The states need to give full faith and credit to the legal documents in other states. (Ex: If you have a driver’s license in a state where the age for it is 16, it is still valid in another state where the age for driving is 18.)

Question 5

Article VI

Answer 5

Supremacy clause, in a conflict between state and national government the national government will reign supreme.

Question 6

10th Amendment

Answer 6

Any power not given to the national government and not specifically denied to the states is given to the states.

Question 7

McCulloch v. Maryland

Answer 7

State government can’t tax the federal government and the federal government can make a national bank because of the Necessary and Proper Clause. Strengthened the power of the national government.

Question 8

U.S. v. Lopez

Answer 8

Federal government doesn’t have the power to meddle with gun control in schools because it is not related to commerce. Weakened the power of the national government.