Answer each question below carefully. The objective of this assignment is to assess whether or not you understood the major themes and concepts for the chapter on Federalism. Use your own words in responding to these short essay questions. (10 points total) 1. The federal government has grown immensely since 1789. Discuss reasons for this growth. Can we expect government to continue to grow? Why? Why not? 2. The Constitution is specific about some features of the relationships between national and state governments and vague about some other features. Give examples of both specific and vague provisions and discuss how the latter have helped Americans adapt the Constitution to changing times. 3. Compare and contrast federalism under FDR, Nixon, Clinton and Bush. 4. Are there still significant state and regional differences? What factors have a homogenizing influence? Are any of the traditional political subcultures intact? Do you think Southerners still resent Northerners and vice-versa? 5. Why is our federal system tilting/moving towards decentralization and fragmentation? 6. Provide examples of the types of federal aid your community/state receives on a day-to-day basis. 7. In May 2019, the state of Alabama passed a law that bans all types of abortion, even in the case of incest and rape. Doctors in the same state who perform these procedures will soon be committing felonies and will be subject to up to 99 years imprisonment. Other states, will follow suit, which will pave the way for a constitutional crisis, since Roe V. Wade which was enacted by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1973 made legal abortion in all the 50 states of the United States.
