The Division of Powers

Which statement about federal and unitary systems is most accurate?

  1. In a federal system, power is concentrated in the states; in a unitary system, it is concentrated in the national government.
  2. In a federal system, the constitution allocates powers between states and federal government; in a unitary system, powers are lodged in the national government.
  3. Today there are more countries with federal systems than with unitary systems.
  4. The United States and Japan have federal systems, while Great Britain and Canada have unitary systems.

Hint:

B

Which statement is most accurate about the sources of revenue for local and state governments?

  1. Taxes generate well over one-half the total revenue of local and state governments.
  2. Property taxes generate the most tax revenue for both local and state governments.
  3. Between 30 and 40 percent of the revenue for local and state governments comes from grant money.
  4. Local and state governments generate an equal amount of revenue from issuing licenses and certificates.

What key constitutional provisions define the scope of authority of the federal and state governments?

Hint:

The following parts of the Constitution sketch the powers of the states and the federal government: Article I, Section 8; the supremacy clause of Article VI; and the Tenth Amendment. The following parts of the Constitution detail the limits on their authority: Article I, Sections 9 and 10; Bill of Rights; Fourteenth Amendment; and the civil rights amendments.

What are the main functions of federal and state governments?