Chapter 3 By the People

Unitary Government

A national polity governed as a single unit, with the central government exercising all or most political authority

Confederation

A group of independent states or nations that yield some of their powers to a central government, with each state retaining a degree of sovereign authority

Dillon's Rule

Local governments may only exercise powers expressly granted to them by the state

Home Rule

States delegate authority to their cities, towns, and counties, permitting them to govern themselves

Diffusion

The spreading of policy ideas from one city or state to others, a process typical of U.S. federalism

Delegated Powers

National government powers listed explicitly in the Constitution

Commerce Clause

The constitutional declaration (In Article 1, Section 8) empowering Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, between states, and with Indian tribes

Necessary and Proper Clause

The constitutional declaration (in Article 1, Section 8) of Congress's authority to exercise the "necessary and proper" powers to carry out its designated functions

Implied Powers

National government powers implied by, but not specifically named in, the Constitution

Supremacy Clause

The constitutional declaration (in Article 6, Section 2) that the national government's authority prevails over any conflicting state or local government's claims, provided the power is granted to the federal government

Inherent Powers

Powers neither specified nor implied by the Constitution but judged necessary for the president or congress to fulfill their duties

Reserved Powers

The constitutional guarantee (in the tenth amendment) that the states retain governmental authority not explicitly granted to the national government

Concurrent Powers

Governmental authority shared by national and state governments, such as the power to tax residents

Full Faith and Credit Clause

The constitutional requirement (in Article 4, Section 1), that each state must recognize and uphold laws passed by any other state

Dual Federalism

Also called layer cake federalism, the clear division of governing authority between national and state governments

Cooperative Federalism

Also called marble cake federalism, a system of mingled governing authority, with functions overlapping across national and state governments

Grants-in-aid

National government funding provided to state and local governments, along with specific instructions about how the funds may be used

Contested Federalism

A system of mingled governing authority marked by high partisan conflict in which both parties try to influence policy by shifting functions among national, state, and local governments; also known as super-swirl cake federalism

New Federalism

A version of cooperative federalism, but with stronger emphasis on state and local government activity versus national government

Block Grants

National government funding provided to state and local governments, with relatively few restrictions or requirements on spending; changing programs to block grants introduced a trade-off for state officials: more authority, fewer funds.

Progressive Federalism

Approach that gives state officials considerable leeway in achieving national programs and goals

Devolution

The transfer of authority from the national to the state or local government level

Unfunded Mandate

An obligation imposed on state or local government officials by federal legislation without sufficient federal funding support to cover the costs

Preemption

The invalidation of a U.S. state law that conflicts with federal law

Civic Voluntarism

Citizen participation in public life without government incentives or coercion, such as getting together to build a playground