Back to the full dot-point answer
EnglandPoliticsQuick questions
Component 3: Comparative Politics (USA)
Quick questions on The US Constitution and federalism - Edexcel A-Level Politics Component 3 (USA)
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the case that federalism has weakened?Show answer
Since the New Deal the federal government has grown enormously, using the commerce clause, federal grants and mandates to influence state policy, producing "cooperative" and even "coercive" federalism. National crises (the Depression, civil rights, the pandemic) have all expanded federal power.
What is the case that the USA remains federal?Show answer
States retain wide reserved powers over elections, policing, education and (after Dobbs v Jackson, 2022) abortion; the Tenth Amendment and a periodically states-rights-friendly Supreme Court protect state autonomy; and federalism is entrenched in the Constitution itself. Policy varies dramatically between states, showing real autonomy.
What is q1?Show answer
Examine the strengths of the entrenched nature of the US Constitution. [12 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Evaluate the view that the US Constitution effectively limits the power of the federal government. [30 marks]
Have a question we have not covered?
This dot-point answer is short enough that we have not extracted many short questions yet. Read the full dot-point answer or ask Mo, our study assistant, in the chat for follow ups.