Federalism Unit 1

What is federalism?

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.

What are exclusive powers?

Those powers that are reserved solely for the federal government or only for state governments.

What are enumerated (expressed) powers?

Those specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.

What are implied powers?

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the enumerated powers.

What is the necessary and proper (elastic) clause?

A clause that allows Congress to make laws it deems necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

What are inherent powers?

Powers that are essential for the government to function properly, even if not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

What are concurrent powers?

Powers that are shared by both the federal government and the state governments.

What are reserved powers?

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government or prohibited to the states, and are thus reserved for the states.

What is the 10th amendment?

An amendment stating that powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.

What is the commerce clause?

A clause that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the states, and with Indian tribes.

What is the full faith and credit clause?

A clause that requires states to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

What is the privileges and immunities clause?

A clause that prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

What is extradition?

The process whereby one state surrenders a person accused of a crime to another state.

What are interstate compacts?

Agreements between two or more states, often for mutual benefit or cooperation.

What is the supremacy clause?

A clause that establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

What was established in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The case that established that Congress has implied powers and affirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.

What was the significance of U.S. v. Lopez?

A case that limited the power of Congress under the commerce clause, ruling that possession of a gun in a school zone did not substantially affect interstate commerce.

What is dual federalism?

A concept that asserts the federal and state governments operate independently within their own spheres of authority.

What is cooperative federalism?

A concept where federal, state, and local governments work together to solve problems.

What is devolution?

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states.

What is fiscal federalism?

The financial relationships between different levels of government, including taxation and grants.

What is fiscal policy?

Government spending and tax policies intended to influence economic conditions.

What are grants in aid?

Funds provided by the federal government to state or local governments for specific projects or programs.

What are categorical grants?

Federal funds provided to states or localities for a specific purpose, often with strict guidelines.

What are block grants?

Federal funds given to states or local governments for broad purposes, allowing more flexibility in how funds are used.

What is revenue sharing?

The distribution of federal tax money to state and local governments for general use.