ap gov : federalism, constitutional clauses, compromises

test 10/22

supremacy clause 

federal law takes superiority over state laws; prohibits states from interfering with federal gov’t constitution (ex: legalization of marijuana) 

necessary and proper clause

congress can make laws needed to carry out its power (ex: creating the national bank)

commerce clause

congress can regulate trade between states and other nations (ex: internet)

full faith and credit clause

states must recognize other states’ laws and records (ex: one state must recongize another’s marriage or divorce) 

privilleges and immunities clause

protects the rights of citizens and says states can’t unfairly treat people from other states (ex: you can buy property or sue in another state like a resident)

equal protection clause 

states must treat people equally under the law (ex: civil rights laws: race, gender, etc)

the great (connecticut) compromise

created a two-house congress (bicameral legislature) ex: senate = equal reps, house = based on population

three-fifths compromise

enslaved people counted as three-fifths of a person for taxes and representation

slave trade compromise

congress couldn’t ban the slave trade until 1808

electoral college compromise

created the system where electors, not citizens directly, choose the president (also set two 4 year term limits)

federalism

a system of government where power is divide between state and federal government

commerce (tariff) compromise

congress could tax imports, not exports.

dual federalism

🍰 federal and state governments each have separate powers and don’t mix (ex: states handling schools, government handles military)

cooperative federalism

🍦federal AND state government work together and share responsibilities (ex: both run highway programs)

devolution

when the federal gov. gives more power & responsibility back to the states to handle programs or issues on their own

privatization

when the gov. lets private companies or organizations provide services instead of the government doing it.

bill of attainder

law that punishes a specific person or group without a judicial trial

amendment process

2/3 to propose in both houses, 3/4 to approve of state legislatures 

revenue sharing

grants given by the federal gov. → states/local govs. w/ no specific purpose, no matching funds, and few to no restrictions on spending

funded mandates

when the federal government orders states to do something and gives them money to help pay for it.

unfunded mandates

when the federal government requires states to do something but doesn’t give them money to cover the cost.

ex: requiring schools to add accessibility ramps but not paying for them.