AP GOVERNMENT/ CHAPTER THREE ASSIGNMENT / MR. LIPMAN
Please read chapter 3 (pages 90-112) and answer the following questions in complete essay format. You are to type out each question before you answer it. Try not to exceed a total of five pages for this assignment.
1. Explain the difference between categorical federal grants and block grants. Why
would states prefer to receive block grants? Why would the federal government
prefer to send categorical grants? What was the “Reagan revolution” (Page 107).
What is the concept of “Devolution” (page 108)
2. What is federalism? Why is it so important to our political system of government?
3. What is the supremacy clause? Give an example of how it operates.
4. Explain the difference between formal (express) and informal (implied) powers.
Provide specific examples of each for both the Legislative and Executive branches.
5. Explain the doctrine of Full Faith and Credit. Provide an example of how it works
and the issues that arise with it among the several states.
6. Explain the idea of concurrent powers and provide examples.
7. Summarize the facts and significance of the McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) case.
8. Summarize the facts and significance of the Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) case.
9. Explain the historical development of dual federalism through the year
2011 and provide current examples.
10. Using at least three Supreme Court cases, discuss the role of the court in
the development of federalism and the expansion of the powers of the federal
government. Identify specific cases that the court has used to expand the powers
of the federal government.
11. Answer the questions from the join the debate issue about different states
creating different standards on issues of public policay (page 106)
and indicate whether you are in favor of national or local school standards
and why.
12. Write out and answer the 3 “critical thinking questions” on page 110.