Federalism: Chapter 3 Study Guide

Block Grants

Money given to states with broad spending flexibility (ex: community development, social services).

Categorical Grants

Money for specific, narrowly defined purposes with federal conditions attached (ex: highway funds tied to drinking age laws).

John Marshall & McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established that Congress had implied powers (through the Necessary & Proper Clause) and confirmed that states cannot tax the federal government.

Funded Mandates

Federal government provides money to help states comply (ex: Medicaid).

Unfunded Mandates

States must meet requirements without extra federal money (ex: Americans with Disabilities Act).

Unitary System

Power concentrated in central government (ex: France).

Federal System

Power divided between national and state governments (ex: U.S.).

Confederate System

Power held by states with a weak central government (ex: Articles of Confederation).

Expressed Powers

Directly written in the Constitution (ex: tax, declare war).

Implied Powers

Not written but based on Necessary & Proper Clause (ex: creating a national bank).

Inherent Powers

Powers naturally belonging to any national government (ex: immigration control).

Necessary & Proper Clause

Expands Congress's implied powers by allowing laws 'necessary and proper' to carry out expressed powers.

Devolution

Returning power from federal to state governments.

New Federalism

More block grants, less federal control (Nixon/Reagan).

Recall

Voters can remove elected officials before their term ends.

Initiative

Citizens propose laws by petition → placed on ballot.

Referendum

Citizens vote directly on laws passed by legislature.

Layer Cake Federalism

Dual federalism → clear separation of powers (state vs. federal).

Marble Cake Federalism

Cooperative federalism → powers mixed, working together.

Commerce Clause

Congress regulates interstate commerce → expands federal power.

Supremacy Clause

Federal laws override conflicting state laws.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Only Congress can regulate interstate commerce, expanding federal jurisdiction over economic activity.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Law unconstitutional → not truly 'interstate commerce,' expanding state power by limiting Commerce Clause.

Marijuana & Federal vs. State Conflict

Some states legalized marijuana, but it remains illegal federally under the Controlled Substances Act.