Question

question 17 (1 point)
use the excerpt below to answer the question that follows.
the powers delegated by the proposed constitution to the federal government are
few and defined. those which are to remain in the state governments are numerous
and indefinite. the former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war,
peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce.... the powers reserved to the several
states will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern
thc lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement
and prosperity of the state.
-james madison, the federalist papers, no. 45, january 1788
james madison would most likely agree with which statement?
the constitution leaves the powers of the federal and state governments unclear.
the constitution takes away too much power from the state governments.
the constitution gives most of the power over foreign policy to the states.
the constitution divides power fairly between the federal and state governments.

Explanation:

Madison states federal powers are "few and defined" (e.g., war, peace, negotiation, foreign commerce) and state powers are "numerous and indefinite" (e.g., all objects concerning people's lives, liberties, properties, internal order). This implies a division of power.

• Option a: Contradicts as Madison says federal powers are defined and state powers are numerous (so not unclear).
• Option b: Madison says federal takes some (like foreign affairs) but states retain many (not "too much" taken).
• Option c: Madison says federal has power over foreign policy (not state).
• Option d: Matches as there is a division (federal - few defined; state - numerous indefinite).

Answer:

d. The Constitution divides power fairly between the federal and state governments.