U.S. Constitution and Federalism

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts related to U.S. federalism, constitutional principles, and landmark Supreme Court cases.

Tenth Amendment

Amendment supported by Antifederalists, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government for the states.

Expressed Powers (Enumerated Powers)

Powers specifically listed for Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states, as per the Tenth Amendment.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Traditional Federalism ("Layer Cake")

Characterized by a small federal government and a clear division of responsibilities between federal and state governments.

Regulated Federalism

When Congress mandates that states meet national standards.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states without providing funding.

Categorical Grants

Grants for a specific purpose with strict conditions.

Block Grants

Grants for broad use with more state flexibility.

General Revenue Sharing

Federal funds given with no specific use.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Expanded federal power by upholding implied powers (e.g., national bank) and strengthened the Necessary and Proper Clause.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

First major restriction on Congress’s commerce clause powers since the New Deal; limited federal overreach.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Federal government has supremacy over interstate commerce.

Commerce Clause

Most important clause for expanding federal power; allows Congress to regulate interstate and some intrastate commerce.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize laws, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Comity Clause

Ensures citizens of each state are treated equally across states.

Dual Federalism

Refers to a clear separation of state and national powers, not higher-level governments overriding lower ones.

Categorical Grants Over Time

Growing federal role in state/local matters through targeted funding.