AP Gov Unit 3 Case Study/Terms

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Congress can create a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause, and states cannot tax it under the Supremacy Clause. Expanded federal power and established implied powers.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Only Congress can regulate interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause. Strengthened federal control over trade between states.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Congress cannot use the Commerce Clause to ban guns near schools. Limited federal power and reinforced state authority.

South Dakota v. Dole (1987)

Congress can withhold federal funds to encourage states to adopt policies, such as raising the drinking age to 21. Expanded federal influence through spending power.

Printz v. United States (1997)

The federal government cannot force state officials to enforce federal gun background checks. Reinforced state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment.

NFIB v. Sebelius (2012)

Upheld the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate under the Taxing Power but limited the federal government's ability to coerce states into expanding Medicaid. Balanced federal and state powers.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Gives Congress implied powers to carry out its enumerated powers. Found in Article I, Section 8. Basis for McCulloch v. Maryland.

Commerce Clause

Allows Congress to regulate trade between states and nations. Basis for Gibbons v. Ogden, limited in U.S. v. Lopez.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law overrides conflicting state law. Basis for McCulloch v. Maryland.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the U.S. nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people. Foundation for Printz v. United States and state sovereignty arguments.

14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)

Used by the federal government to protect civil rights and enforce education equality (Brown v. Board).

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a national and state government. The Constitution defines national powers (delegated), reserves some to the states, and shares others (concurrent).

Dual Federalism ("Layer Cake")

National and state governments operate separately in their own spheres. Common before the New Deal (1789-1930s).

Cooperative Federalism ("Marble Cake")

National and state governments share responsibilities and work together on issues. Became dominant after the New Deal.

New Federalism / Devolution

Movement starting in the 1980s (Reagan era) to return power to the states, often through block grants and reduced federal control.

Fiscal Federalism

The use of federal funds (grants, mandates, aid) to influence state policies. It's how the national government gets states to follow national goals.

Categorical Grants

Federal money for specific purposes (e.g., building highways, funding school lunches). Often come with strict rules and conditions.

Block Grants

Federal money given for broad purposes with more state control.

Project Grants

Competitive, application-based funding for specific projects or research.

Formula Grants

Distributed based on a formula (like population, income, or need).

Mandates

Federal orders requiring states to comply with national policies, often without full funding.

Unfunded Mandates

Mandates with no federal money provided. Burden falls on states.