Which of the following best explains the major source of state government power during the period of dual federalism?
A. The use of Categorical grants by the federal government
B. The reserved powers given to states by the tenth amendment
C. The commerce power given to congress by the constitution
D. The supreme courts decision and united states v. lopez
B. The reserved powers given to states by the tenth amendment
B. The reserved powers given to states by the tenth amendment
The best explanation for the major source of state government power during the period of dual federalism is B. The reserved powers given to states by the tenth amendment.
To understand why the reserved powers given to states by the tenth amendment is the major source of state government power during the period of dual federalism, it is important to understand the concept of dual federalism itself. Dual federalism, also known as layer cake federalism, refers to a time in U.S. history when the powers and responsibilities of the federal government and state governments were seen as separate and distinct. Under dual federalism, the federal government handled matters related to national defense, foreign policy, and commerce between states, while states had primary control over areas such as law enforcement, education, and intrastate commerce.
The tenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution plays a critical role in the distribution of powers between the federal government and state governments. It states that "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This amendment essentially affirms that any powers not expressly given to the federal government are reserved for the states.
Therefore, during the period of dual federalism, the major source of state government power was derived from the reserved powers granted to them by the tenth amendment. These reserved powers allowed states to exercise authority over a wide range of policy areas, which enabled them to govern and legislate within their respective jurisdictions. This system was intended to ensure a balance of power between the federal government and state governments, with each level of government having clearly defined and separate spheres of influence.
In conclusion, the best explanation for the major source of state government power during the period of dual federalism is the reserved powers given to states by the tenth amendment. This amendment affirmed that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government were reserved for the states, enabling them to exercise authority and govern within their own domains.