Understanding Federalism
This worksheet explores the concept of federalism, the division of powers between national and state governments in the United States, for 8th-grade social studies.
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Understanding Federalism
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will test your knowledge of federalism in the United States.
1. Which of the following best defines federalism?
A system where all power is held by a central government.
A system where power is divided between national and state governments.
A system where states have more power than the national government.
A system with no established government.
2. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people?
First Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Tenth Amendment
Fourteenth Amendment
3. Powers shared by both the federal and state governments are called powers.
4. The Clause of the Constitution establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.
5. Education policy is primarily a responsibility of the federal government.
True
False
6. The power to declare war is an example of a concurrent power.
True
False
Match each type of power with its description.
7. Expressed Powers
a. Powers not specifically listed but implied by the Constitution.
8. Implied Powers
b. Powers specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution.
9. Reserved Powers
c. Powers kept by the states or the people.
10. Give one example of a power held by the federal government and one example of a power held by state governments. Explain why these powers are divided in a federal system.