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Texas A & M University-College Station
POLS 207 AP Government Federalism
Questions and Answers 2026 Latest Update
Devolution— Ans: The effort to transfer responsibility for many public
programs and services from the federal government to the states.
Block Grants— Ans: money from the national government that states can
send within broad guidelines determined by the National Government
Dual Federalism— Ans: 1865-1933 A system of government in which both
the states and the national government remain supreme within their own
spheres, each responsible for some policies.
Federalism— Ans: government authority is shared by national and state
gov'ts
Fiscal/Cooperative Federalism— Ans: federal and state governments work
together to complete a project with the federal government picking up most
of the cost
Unitary System— Ans: a government that gives all key powers to the
national or central government Ex. France
Sovereignty— Ans: supreme or ultimate political authority
Confederation— Ans: a weak form of government where the states have
more power than the national government
"Necessary and Proper" Clause— Ans: allows Congress to pass laws
"necessary and proper" to its duties and which has permitted Congress to
use powers not specifically enumerated in the Constitution
Nullification— Ans: The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a
federal law that, in the state's opinion, violates the Constitution.
Grants-in-aid— Ans: money given to the states by the national Government
© 2026 All rights reserved
Texas A & M University-College Station
POLS 207 AP Government Federalism
Questions and Answers 2026 Latest Update
Devolution— Ans: The effort to transfer responsibility for many public
programs and services from the federal government to the states.
Block Grants— Ans: money from the national government that states can
send within broad guidelines determined by the National Government
Dual Federalism— Ans: 1865-1933 A system of government in which both
the states and the national government remain supreme within their own
spheres, each responsible for some policies.
Federalism— Ans: government authority is shared by national and state
gov'ts
Fiscal/Cooperative Federalism— Ans: federal and state governments work
together to complete a project with the federal government picking up most
of the cost
Unitary System— Ans: a government that gives all key powers to the
national or central government Ex. France
Sovereignty— Ans: supreme or ultimate political authority
Confederation— Ans: a weak form of government where the states have
more power than the national government
"Necessary and Proper" Clause— Ans: allows Congress to pass laws
"necessary and proper" to its duties and which has permitted Congress to
use powers not specifically enumerated in the Constitution
Nullification— Ans: The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a
federal law that, in the state's opinion, violates the Constitution.
Grants-in-aid— Ans: money given to the states by the national Government
© 2026 All rights reserved
