U.S. Constitution — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Under the Constitution, only state governments have the power to collect taxes.
Corrected: Under the Constitution, both state and federal governments have the power to collect taxes.
The corrected sentence is: "Under the Constitution, both state and federal governments have the power to collect taxes." The error was missing federal government — taxing is a shared power: the original sentence "Under the Constitution, only state governments have the power to collect taxes." needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
The Tenth Amendment gives all remaining powers to the federal government.
Corrected: The Tenth Amendment gives all remaining powers to the states or the people.
The corrected sentence is: "The Tenth Amendment gives all remaining powers to the states or the people." The error was wrong recipient of reserved powers: the original sentence "The Tenth Amendment gives all remaining powers to the federal government." needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
State governments are responsible for printing money and declaring war.
Corrected: The federal government is responsible for printing money and declaring war.
The corrected sentence is: "The federal government is responsible for printing money and declaring war." The error was wrong level of government — these are federal powers: the original sentence "State governments are responsible for printing money and declaring war." needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The system of sharing power between state and national governments is called federalism.
Federalism is the system where power is divided between a central (federal) government and individual state governments, so neither level controls everything on its own.
2. The Supremacy Clause says the Constitution is the highest law in the nation.
The Supremacy Clause, found in Article VI, establishes that if a state law conflicts with the Constitution or a federal law, the federal law wins every time.
3. States have the power to issue driver's licenses and run public schools.
Public schools are a state-level responsibility because the Constitution reserves powers like education to the states, letting each state decide how its schools are run.
4. Only the federal government can make treaties with other countries.
Treaty-making is an exclusively federal power because the nation needs to speak with one voice when dealing with foreign countries, rather than having 50 states making separate agreements.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name one power that belongs only to the federal government and one that belongs only to state governments.
Sample answer: The federal government can declare war, while state governments can set up their own school systems.
A good answer includes: The federal government can declare war, while state governments can set up their own school systems.
2. Why did the Founders divide power between the states and the federal government?
Sample answer: They divided power so that no single government would become too strong, and states could handle local needs while the national government handled larger issues.
A good answer includes: They divided power so that no single government would become too strong, and states could handle local needs while the national government handled larger issues.