GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A state government decides to implement a new statewide curriculum for public schools. This curriculum includes specific requirements for subjects like history, science, and mathematics, and it sets standards for teacher qualifications. The federal government does not have an explicit constitutional power to regulate education at the state level. This scenario best illustrates which core principle of American government?
- ASeparation of Powers
- BPopular Sovereignty
- CFederalism
- DJudicial Review
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Federalism
The scenario highlights the division of power between the federal and state governments, where states retain authority over matters not explicitly granted to the federal government, such as education. This distribution of power is the essence of federalism.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Separation of Powers divides authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches within the national government.
- B. Popular Sovereignty is the idea that government power comes from the people.
- D. Judicial Review is the power of courts to determine constitutionality.
Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments.
- Distinct powers for national and state governments.
- Both levels of government have their own agencies and officials.
- States typically retain powers not delegated to the federal government (Reserved Powers, 10th Amendment).
- Examples: education, intrastate commerce, local government.
Memory trick: Federalism: Two levels of government, like a two-story house.