dual federalism

Layer Cake Federalism

A metaphor for federalism that emphasizes distinct layers of government responsibilities, typically associated with dual federalism.

Nullification

The theory that states have the right to invalidate any federal law that they believe conflicts with their own state laws.

Dual Citizenship

The status of being a citizen of two different nations at the same time, particularly relevant in discussions of state and federal rights.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.

McCulloch v. Maryland

The 1819 Supreme Court case that established federal supremacy over state laws.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

The 1857 Supreme Court decision that declared African Americans could not be American citizens.

Cooperative Federalism

A style of federalism in which national and state governments work together to solve problems.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relations between units of governments in a federal government system, including the allocation of funds and grants.

Categorical Grants

Grant of money to state and local governments for a narrow purpose as defined by the federal government.

Block Grants

Funds granted by the national government to states for broad policy areas with fewer strings than categorical grants.

Partisan Federalism

Increased political polarization and tensions between state and national governments based on party control.

Laboratories of Democracy

The idea that states can experiment with policies and programs at a local level to find successful solutions to significant issues.

Devolution

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states.

Preemption

The ability of federal law to take precedence over state law.

Us v. Lopez

The 1995 Supreme Court case that limited Congress's ability to legislate under the Commerce Clause, reinforcing state authority.

Fiscal (Coercive) Federalism

Form of federalism that uses financial incentives to influence states to implement federal policies.

14th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.

Great Society

A set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s to eliminate poverty and racial injustice.

Unitary System

A system of government where a single central government holds most or all political power, in contrast to federal systems.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a strong federal government.

States’ Rights

The rights and powers held by individual states rather than by the federal government, often invoked in political debates.

Federal Mandates

Requirements imposed by the national government on state and local governments to comply with federal laws.

Public Policy

The principles on which social laws are based, often shaped by government actions at various levels.

Uniformity vs. Diversity in Federalism

The tension between creating uniform policies across states and allowing for state-specific laws that reflect local values.

Regional Federalism

A form of federalism where regional governments have more power and autonomy compared to a unitary national government.

Federalism and Crime Control

The interplay between federal and state law enforcement agencies and how they collaborate on crime prevention and investigation.

Judicial Federalism

The relationship between state and federal courts and how judicial authority is shared between the two levels.

Environmental Federalism

The division of responsibilities and powers regarding environmental regulation and policy between federal and state governments.