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cooperative federalism
system in which both federal government and state governments cooperate in solving problems.
categorical grant
money granted by the federal government to the states for a narrow purpose ( e.g., school lunch program) rather than for a broad purpose (e.g., transportation).
Informal amendment
a change in the meaning, but not the wording, of the Constitution, e.g., through a court decisions such as Brown v. Board.
elastic clause
states that Congress can exercise those powers that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out the enumerated powers, e.g., establishment of the first Bank of the United States.
formal amendment
a change in the actual wording of the Constitution. Proposed by Congress or national convention, and ratified by the states.
implied powers
those that are "necessary and proper" to carry out Congress' enumerated powers, and are granted to Congress through the elastic clause.
commerce clause
gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and among Indian tribes. Granted through Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution.
mandates
requirements imposed by the national government upon the states.
concurrent powers
those held by both Congress and the states, e.g., establishing law enforcement agencies.
direct democracy
system in which the people rule themselves.
republic
system in which the people are ruled by their representatives
supermajority
a majority greater than a simple majority of one over half, e.g., 3/5, 2/3.
federalism
constitutional sharing of power between a central government and state governments.
marbury v. madison
1803: Supreme Court case that established Judicial Review
dual federalism
system in which the national government and state governments are coequal, with each being dominant within its respective sphere.
bicameral legislature
two-house legislature.
confederation
system in which sovereign states are only loosely tied to a central government, e.g., the US under the Articles of Confederation.
block grant
money granted by the federal government to the states for a broad purpose ( e.g., transportation) rather than for a narrow purpose (e.g., school lunch program).
police powers
powers of the states to protect the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public.
judicial review
power of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and government actions. Established by Marbury v. Madison, 1803.
separation of powers
principle in which the powers of government are separated among three branches: legislative, executive, judicial.
shays' rebellion
1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and foreclosure that was a factor in the calling of the Constitutional Convention.
reserved powers
powers held by the states through the 10th Amendment. Any power not granted to the US government is "reserved" for the states.
McCulloch v. Maryland
1819: Supreme Court case that established principle of national supremacy and validity of implied powers.
enumerated powers
those that are specifically granted to Congress in Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution, e.g., the power to tax.
inherent powers
foreign policy powers (e.g., acquiring territory) held by the national government by virtue of its being a national government.
federalist papers
group of 85 essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay for the purpose of persuading the people of New York to adopt the Constitution.
popular sovereignty
principle in which ultimate political authority rests with the people.
checks and balances
system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches, e.g., presidential veto of a congressional law.
unicameral legislature
one-house legislature
indirect democracy
system in which the people are rule by their representatives. also known as representative democracy, or republic.
centralists
those who favor greater national authority rather than state authority
decentralists
those who favor greater state authority rather than national authority
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