Before ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the power of the state governments ______ that held by the national government.

Study for the Dual Enrollment American Government Exam. Use our flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations, to prepare for your test with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Before ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the power of the state governments ______ that held by the national government.

Explanation:
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was intentionally weak and relied on the states for most authority. Congress lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or compel states to follow its laws, and there was no strong executive or national judiciary. Because the central government’s powers were limited and the states retained sovereignty, the power of the state governments exceeded that held by the national government. The other options don’t fit: the national government was not the stronger or equal partner, and delegated powers describe powers given to the national government, not those retained by the states.

Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was intentionally weak and relied on the states for most authority. Congress lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or compel states to follow its laws, and there was no strong executive or national judiciary. Because the central government’s powers were limited and the states retained sovereignty, the power of the state governments exceeded that held by the national government. The other options don’t fit: the national government was not the stronger or equal partner, and delegated powers describe powers given to the national government, not those retained by the states.

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