USGOV Unit 1

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional (state) governments.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms and rights.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse of power.

Commerce Clause

A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate and international commerce.

Constitution

The fundamental law outlining the structure, functions, and limits of a government.

Dual Federalism

A model of federalism where state and national governments operate independently in their own areas of public policy.

Elastic Clause

A clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws deemed "necessary and proper" to carry out its powers.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution and given to the federal government.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Constitutional requirement that states recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Marbury v. Madison

1803 Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

McCulloch v. Maryland

1819 case that upheld federal supremacy and implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the highest law of the land.

Tenth Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments and a weaker national government.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government.

The Federalist Papers

Essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist 10

Essay by Madison arguing that a large republic can control factions better than a small one.

Federalist 51

Essay by Madison arguing for separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., which created a weak national government and strong state powers.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for equal representation of each state in Congress, regardless of population.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for representation in Congress based on population size.

Connecticut “Great” Compromise

Agreement creating a bicameral Congress: House based on population, Senate with equal representation.

Cooperative Federalism

A system in which national, state, and local governments work together to solve problems.

Fiscal Federalism

The use of federal grants to influence state and local policy.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose, with strict rules on how they are spent.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with broad discretion on how to use them.

Formula Grants

Funds distributed to states based on specific formulas like population or income levels.

Mandate

A federal requirement that states must follow, sometimes without funding.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.