Federalism and powers

Commerce Clause

Congress regulates commerce with foreign states, among states, and tribes. ^

Interstate Commerce

Congress can regulate commercial activities crossing state lines; often interpreted broadly. ^

US v. Lopez

Congress overstepped commerce clause by charging a student for bringing a gun to school; cannot regulate this under commerce clause. ^

Necessary and Proper Clause

Congress can make laws that are convenient, useful, or appropriate; also called the elastic clause. ^

McCulloch v. Maryland

States cannot tax federal institutions; Congress has implied powers under Necessary and Proper Clause. ^

Elastic Clause

Allows federal government to grow while 10th Amendment reserves powers to states. ^

10th Amendment

Federal government only has powers explicitly granted; others reserved to states. ^

Expressed Powers

Powers granted to federal government explicitly in Constitution. ^

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by state and federal governments (taxes, law enforcement, infrastructure). ^

Reserved Powers

Powers held by states or local governments (education, marriage laws, licenses). ^

Dual Federalism

Layered cake; federal and state powers clearly separated. ^

Cooperative Federalism

Marble cake; federal and state powers shared, e.g., federal funding for state programs. ^

Block Grant

Federal money for broad purposes; fixed funding; less oversight. ^

Categorical Grant

Money for specific purposes; strict guidelines (e.g., Medicaid). ^

Funded Mandates

Requirements from higher government with funding (Medicaid, environmental regulations). ^

Unfunded Mandates

Requirements from higher government without providing funds (ADA).