AMSCO Chapter 3 A.P. Gov

block grants

Federal grants given more or less automatically to states or communities to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services

categorical grants

Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport

concurrent powers

powers shared by the national and state governments

Devolution

the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states

exclusive powers

powers that can be exercised by the national government alone

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

federal grants

monies the national government gives to state or local governments for some designated purpose

Fiscal Federalism

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system; it is the cornerstone of the national government's relations with state and local governments.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state

grants-in-aid

programs through which Congress provides money to state and local governments on the condition that the funds be employed for purposes defined by the federal government

Mandates

terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants

Police powers (reserved powers)

state power to enact laws promoting health, safety, and morals

privilages and immunities clause

a citizen may not be denied his/her rights in any state

revenue sharing

federal sharing of a fixed percentage of its revenue with the states

strings attached

traditional control that tells the state government what it must do if it wants to receive federal grant money

Supremacy Clause

Constitution is the supreme law of the land

Commerce Clause

Clause stating that Congress can regulate interstate and international commerce.

Dual Federalism (Layer Cake)

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

The clause in Article I, Section 8, that grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its specifically delegated powers.

enumarated powers

Powers of the federal government that specifically addressed in the Constitution; for Congress, including the powers listed in Article I, Section 8, for example, to coin money and regulate its value and impose states.

Fourteenth Amendment

A constitutional amendment giving full rights of citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, except for American Indians.

implied powers

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution

McColloch v. Maryland

Enlarged the powers of the national government by recognizing its implied constitutional powers

selective exclusiveness

Legal doctrine that states that when the commerce at issue requires national, uniform regulation, only Congress may regulate it

Tenth Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

United States v. Lopez

Congress had exceeded its commerce clause power by prohibiting guns in a school zone