American Federalism Flashcards

Flashcards about American Federalism

Federalism

A form of government in which different levels of government act relatively autonomously and have the power to act directly on people within their jurisdictions.

National Courts in Federal Systems

Typically resolve disputes between subnational governments.

Unitary System

A system of government where subnational governments depend heavily on the national government, which holds virtually all power.

Confederate System

A system of government where most power is decentralized and possessed by the subnational governments, and the central government's power relies on the consent of the subnational governments.

Enumerated Powers of Congress

Powers specifically listed in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, including collecting taxes, borrowing money, coining money, establishing national courts, regulating interstate commerce, raising armies, and declaring war.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the Elastic Clause, grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not prohibited to the states by the Constitution or delegated to the national government; these are enshrined in the Tenth Amendment.

Supremacy Clause

States that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme Law of the Land, prevailing over conflicting state laws when the federal government acts within its constitutional authority.

Sixteenth Amendment

Authorized Congress to tax the income of individuals without apportioning it to the states based on population.

Dual Federalism

A political arrangement in which the national government and state governments act with distinct areas of jurisdiction.

Cooperative Federalism

A period when the national and state governments coordinate their efforts to address problems.

New Federalism

Efforts to restore state power by decentralizing national power, increasing revenue sharing with state and local governments, and giving greater discretion over federal grants.

Intergovernmental Grants

Financial incentives offered by the federal government to compel state governments to act in the national interest.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants that typically contain more restrictions on the grant recipient’s discretion to use the funds.

Block Grants

Federal grants that allow greater discretion by the recipient because they come with fewer conditions and less administrative oversight.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal laws or regulations that require state or local governments to undertake certain obligations without the federal government providing full compensation.

Competitive Federalism

A system where federal policy does not always align with state and local policies.

Benefits of Federalism

Encourages innovative approaches to social and economic policy, allowing states to serve as models for other states or the national government.

Drawbacks of Federalism

Can lead to disparities in education, environmental protection, income, and healthcare, and may create inefficiencies or conflicts due to multiple levels of bureaucracy.