1. Define federalism and discuss the differences between a federal and a unitary system of government.
   
   
2. Evaluate the major advantages and disadvantages of America's federal system.
   
   
3. Compare and contrast various concepts of federalism, including dual federalism, cooperative federalism, creative federalism, the new federalism, and regulatory federalism.
   
   
4. Explain how the adoption of the federal system at the Constitutional Convention represented a compromise.
   
   
5. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in defining the basic framework of American federalism.
   
   
6. Identify the powers of the states-and the limitations on the states-under the Constitution.
   
   
7. Analyze the shift in the balance of power and the rise of a strong national government within the American federal system.
   
   
8. Explain the types of powers-enumerated, implied, inherent, and concurrent-granted to the federal government under the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
   
   
9. Analyze the impact of federalism on America's governmental institutions and its political system.
   
   
10. Distinguish among different types of federal aid to state and local communities, such as categorical grants, block grants, and general purpose grants.

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GOVT 2305  American Government and Politics
Cathedral High School, El Paso, Texas
Last updated:  June 2004