Federalism and Powers

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from a lecture on government and federalism.

Ratification

Requirement for amending the Constitution; approved by 3/4 of state legislatures.

Federalism

The relationship between state and national government.

Separation of Powers

Constitutional authority shared by the branches of government.

Multiple Access Points

The government is large and accessible which makes it easy to be a part of or to influence policy.

Checks and Balances

The branches of government keep each other balanced, so one won't be too powerful.

Impeachment

House investigates need majority

Removal

Senate 2/3 for this.

Litigation

A lawsuit against a public official for abuse of power.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared between state and federal governments, (ex: taxes).

Grants (Incentives)

The idea that states will do something in order to receive money from the federal government.

Categorical Grants

National government gives states specifically what they must do, including some of their own money to receive the grant.

Block Grants

National government gives states boundaries, but not super specific.

Federal Revenue Sharing

National government gives states grants with little to no requirements.

Mandates

Federal government tells states what they must do.

10th Amendment

Limits national government's power.

Reserved Powers

Powers specifically for the states.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically given to the federal government (ex: interstate and foreign trade, declaring war).

Commerce Clause

Interstate business can be regulated, now almost all commerce is regulated by the federal government.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Gives federal government a great amount of power to do whatever it takes to do what is necessary for their job.

Implied Powers

Powers given through vague phrases, but not explicitly in the Constitution.

McCulloch v. MD

Federal government can have a national bank and states can't tax it; federal sovereignty.