Federalism and Structures of Government

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the lecture on federalism, split sovereignty, systems of government, and constitutional principles.

Federalism

A political system characterized by divided or split sovereignty between two separate and independent levels of government (central and regional).

Separation of Powers

A horizontal relationship in government where distinct branches coexist roughly parallel to each other.

Sovereign Power

Ultimate, unappealable power representing the highest authority within a given political system or territory.

New Jersey Plan

A proposition presented at the Constitutional Convention that served as an effort to amend and continue the Articles of Confederation.

Salutary Neglect

The historical British policy of leaving the American colonies alone to govern their own internal affairs while the mother country managed imperial matters.

Declaratory Act

A law passed by the British Parliament in 1774 or 1775 after repealing a tax, stating that Parliament remained in control of the colonies.

Unitary System

A system where the people create a single central government holding sovereign authority, which then delegates power to regional governments that it can modify or abolish.

Confederation

A system where regional governments are instituted by the people and in turn form a central government for specific collective purposes, retaining sovereign authority and the right to leave.

US Term Limits vs. Thornton

A 1995 Supreme Court case ruling that individual states do not have the power under the federal Constitution to set term limits on their federal representatives and senators.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution to which all federal government authority must trace back.

Concurrent Powers

Governmental powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as taxing, borrowing money, and establishing courts.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional provision granting the federal government the authority to exercise additional powers necessary and proper to carry its listed powers into effect.