ch 3 vocab and qs

Nullification

The doctrine that a state can declare a federal law null and void if it violates the Constitution.

Initiative

A process that allows voters to place legislative measures directly on the ballot.

Referendum

A general vote by the electorate on a single political question referred for direct decision.

Recall

A procedure enabling citizens to remove and replace a public official before the end of their term.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly written in the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not specifically written in the Constitution but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Reserved powers

Powers not delegated to the national government, reserved for the states as stated in the Tenth Amendment.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared between both levels of government, such as collecting taxes and enforcing laws.

Revenue sharing

National funding with minimal restrictions for states, the least used form of funding.

Grants-in-aid

Federal money provided to fund a specific project or program.

Categorical grants

Federal funds granted to state and local governments with strict spending limitations.

Block Grants

Federal grants that allow local/state governments to allocate funds to a wide range of services with few restrictions.

Mandates

Commands or authorizations from the electorate to representatives regarding public issues.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the federal government to state governments, reducing federal authority.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prohibits states from unreasonably discriminating against citizens of other states.

Tenth Amendment

Defines the balance of power between federal and state governments, establishing reserved powers for states.

Fourteenth Amendment

Includes the Due Process Clause and Equal Protection Clause as applied to the states.

Commerce Clause

Grants the national government power to regulate interstate commerce, influenced by Supreme Court interpretations.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers, subject to Supreme Court interpretations.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws, with interpretations affecting constitutional power limits.

Devolution Revolution

A shift of power from the federal government back to the states, allowing for more state control over policies.

Federalism

A system that allows states to create policies reflecting their unique needs and values, promoting regional and cultural differences.