AP U.S. Government & Politics - Chapter 3: Federalism

These flashcards cover key concepts and cases from Chapter 3 of AP U.S. Government & Politics focusing on federalism.

What is federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

What does the Tenth Amendment state?

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states and the people.

Why was the Tenth Amendment not originally included in the Constitution?

The Tenth Amendment was added to reassure states' rights advocates that powers not expressly granted to the federal government would remain with the states.

What is the Commerce Clause?

The Commerce Clause allows Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes.

What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

The Supreme Court ruled that federal law has supremacy over state law and affirmed the use of implied powers.

What was the significance of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?

This case expanded the interpretation of the Commerce Clause, allowing federal regulation of interstate commerce.

What was decided in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964)?

The Supreme Court upheld the Civil Rights Act, prohibiting racial discrimination in public accommodations based on the Commerce Clause.

What was the ruling in United States v. Lopez (1995)?

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress had exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause by prohibiting guns in school zones.

What is the nullification doctrine?

The nullification doctrine is the idea that states have the right to nullify federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

What is dual federalism?

Dual federalism is a concept where state and federal governments operate independently in their own spheres of influence.

Why did dual federalism become less prevalent?

Dual federalism declined as the federal government expanded its power and responsibilities, especially during the New Deal era.

What are land grants?

Land grants are parcels of land given by the government to individuals or organizations, often for purposes of education or development.

What was the historical focus of grants between the 1930s and 1960s?

The focus was primarily on categorical grants designed to address specific issues like education and infrastructure.

What is the intergovernmental lobby?

The intergovernmental lobby is a group of state and local government officials who advocate for federal funding and policies.

What are categorical grants?

Categorical grants are federal funds provided for a specific purpose with strict regulations.

Who typically prefers categorical grants?

State officials and organizations that require specific funding for targeted programs.

What are block grants?

Block grants are federal funds provided for broad purposes with fewer restrictions compared to categorical grants.

Who tends to prefer block grants?

State and local governments prefer block grants because they offer more flexibility in how funds are used.

What are mandates?

Mandates are requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments.

What are conditions-of-aid?

Conditions-of-aid are stipulations that states must adhere to in order to receive federal funding.

Why is the census important in relation to grants?

The census determines population data that affects the allocation of federal grants to states.

What is the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995?

This Act aims to limit the federal government from imposing unfunded mandates on state and local governments.

What did the Americans with Disabilities Act promote?

The Americans with Disabilities Act promotes equal access and prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Why was AFDC granted as a block grant while Medicaid was not?

AFDC was designed for flexibility in funding while Medicaid required specific guidelines for federal oversight.

What are reserved powers?

Reserved powers are authorities kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

What is devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of powers from the federal government back to the states.

What is federalism?

Federalism is a government system where power is shared between a central government and state governments.

What does the Tenth Amendment state?

The Tenth Amendment says that any powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

Why was the Tenth Amendment not originally included in the Constitution?

It was added to assure states' rights supporters that the federal government would not take all power, leaving some to the states.

What is the Commerce Clause?

The Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to control trade between states, with other countries, and with Native American tribes.

What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

The Supreme Court decided that federal laws are stronger than state laws and confirmed that the federal government has powers not explicitly written in the Constitution (implied powers).

What was the significance of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?

This case broadened the meaning of the Commerce Clause, allowing the federal government to regulate trade that crosses state lines.

What was decided in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964)?

The Supreme Court upheld the Civil Rights Act, meaning hotels and other public places could not discriminate based on race, using the Commerce Clause as justification.

What was the ruling in United States v. Lopez (1995)?

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress went too far using the Commerce Clause by banning guns in school zones.

What is the nullification doctrine?

This is the idea that states can reject federal laws they believe go against the Constitution.

What is dual federalism?

Dual federalism is a system where the federal government and state governments work separately in their own areas of power.

Why did dual federalism become less prevalent?

It became less common as the federal government took on more power and responsibilities, especially during the New Deal era.

What are land grants?

Land grants are areas of land given by the government to individuals or groups, often for things like schools or new buildings.

What was the historical focus of grants between the 1930s and 1960s?

.The main focus was on specific grants (categorical grants) for things like education and roads.

What is the intergovernmental lobby?

This is a group of state and local government officials who ask the federal government for funding and specific policies.

What are categorical grants?

Categorical grants are federal funds given for a very specific purpose with clear rules on how they must be used.

Who typically prefers categorical grants?

State officials and groups that need money for particular programs often prefer these grants.

What are block grants?

Block grants are federal funds given for general purposes with fewer rules than categorical grants.

Who tends to prefer block grants?

State and local governments prefer block grants because they get more freedom in how to spend the money.

What are mandates?

Mandates are rules or requirements that the federal government places on state and local governments.

What are conditions-of-aid?

Conditions-of-aid are rules states must follow to get federal funding.

Why is the census important in relation to grants?

The census counts the population, which helps decide how much federal grant money each state receives.

What is the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995?

This Act tries to stop the federal government from forcing states and local governments to pay for programs themselves without federal help.

What did the Americans with Disabilities Act promote?

The Americans with Disabilities Act works to ensure equal access and prevent unfair treatment against people with disabilities.

Why was AFDC granted as a block grant while Medicaid was not?

AFDC was made to allow states more flexibility with funds, while Medicaid needed specific federal rules for supervision.

What are reserved powers?

Reserved powers are the powers kept by the states, as stated in the Tenth Amendment.

What is devolution?

Devolution is when the federal government gives some of its powers back to the states.