Section 1.7: Relationship Between the States and National Government Quiz Prep

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Three Key Government Systems:

Confederate, Federal, Unitary

Confederate System

State governments hold most power

Federal System

• Power shared between national and state governments

Unitary System

• National government controls most decisions

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a national government and regional (state) governments

Tenth Amendment

Any power not specifically delegated to the federal government is reserved to the states

Distribution of Powers

Enumerated Powers (Federal)

Coin Money

Declare War

Regulate Interstate Commerce

Foreign Treaties

Concurrent Powers (Both)

Taxation

Law Enforcement

Borrowing Money

Establishing Courts

Reserved Powers (State)

Public Schools

Conducting Elections

Licensing (Marriage/Driver)

Health/Safety/Police

Required Supreme Court Case: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The Facts

* Maryland tried to tax the Second Bank of the U.S.

The Ruling

1. Congress has implied power to create the bank (Necessary & Proper Clause)

2. States cannot tax federal entities (Supremacy Clause)

Required Supreme Court Case: United States v. Lopez (1995)

The Facts

* A student brought a gun to school, violating the "Gun-Free School Zones Act"

The Ruling

* Congress exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause

* Carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity

* This returned power to the states

New Federalism

 Giving more power to the states (conservative principal since the 70s)

Categorical Grants

• Money given to states for a specific, narrow purpose

  • Example: Highway funding

  • Often come with "strings attached"

Block Grants

* Money given for broad policy areas

* Gives states more flexibility

* Example: Social Services

Mandates

* Federal requirements states must follow

* If "unfunded," states must pay for it themselves

* Example: ADA compliance