AP Government and Constitutional Law

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established implied powers for Congress and federal supremacy over states.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Limited federal power under the Commerce Clause regarding school guns.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to honor public acts and records of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Extradition Clause

Requires states to return fleeing criminal suspects to the crime state.

Police Powers

Reserved powers for states to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Nullification

Unconstitutional legal theory that states can void federal laws.

Laboratory of Democracy Concept

The principle that states can experiment with unique public policies.

Conditions of Aid

Federal requirements attached to grant money for state or local governments.

Initiative

Process allowing citizens to place proposed laws directly on the ballot.

Referendum

Ballot measure allowing citizens to vote on laws passed by legislatures.

Recall

Election process allowing voters to remove an elected official early.

Centralized Federalism

1960s-1970s era where national government imposed strict standards on states.

New Federalism

Political movement returning power and decision-making authority to state governments.

Federal Preemption

Rule that federal law overrides conflicting state or local laws.

Impeachment Power

House authority to formally charge officials, followed by a Senate trial.

Intergovernmental Revenue

Funds transferred between different levels of government.

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Both federal and state courts can hear the same case.

Dual Sovereignty

Doctrine establishing distinct legal authority for federal and state governments.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (1995)

Requires Congress to evaluate financial costs before passing state mandates.