Federalism and the US Constitution Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the functional articles of the US Constitution, the definition of federalism, the Bill of Rights, and modern examples of policy experimentation within the state-federal power dynamic.

Federalists

A group of people who wanted a stronger national government during the creation of the US Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

A group of people who wanted stronger state governments during the creation of the US Constitution.

Article One

The part of the Constitution that covers the legislative branch.

Article Two

The part of the Constitution that covers the executive branch.

Article Three

The part of the Constitution that covers the judicial branch.

Article Four

Explains the relationship of the states to one another and the federal government.

Article Five

Discusses the process for amending the Constitution.

Article Six

Contains the supremacy clause, which states that federal power is the ultimate power in the United States.

Article Seven

Discusses the process for ratifying the Constitution.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in Article Six of the Constitution stating that federal power is the supreme authority in the US.

Separation of Powers

The concept that each branch of government has its own unique and distinct responsibilities.

Division of Power

The concept that there are specific powers set aside for the federal government and specific powers set aside for state governments.

Federalism

The division of power between federal and state governments.

Second Amendment

States: "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, which were added in 1791 to ensure ratification by certain states.

Tenth Amendment

States that powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically written in the Constitution and designated for the federal government, such as declaring war or coining and taxing.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically mentioned by the US Constitution that are set aside for the states under the Tenth Amendment.

Selective Incorporation

A process over time where amendments from the Bill of Rights are applied to states and state laws.

Constitutional Carry

A policy, such as in Texas, where individuals of the correct age who have not been convicted of certain crimes have the right to carry a firearm without a permit.

Policy Experimentation

When a state tries out a new law or policy to see the results, such as with marijuana legalization or gun laws.

Marijuana Legalization (2012)

The year Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

A Supreme Court decision that established a woman's legal right to an abortion, based on the right to privacy in the Fourth Amendment.

Dobbs v. Jackson's Women's Health Organization (2022)

The Supreme Court ruling that reversed Roe v. Wade, stating the Constitution does not specifically address abortion and returns the issue to the states.

Unitary System

A system of government where the entire country follows the same laws, unlike the diverse federalist system of the United States.