Gov CH3

Federal System

A type of government where power is divided between national and subnational governments, each enforcing their own laws directly on citizens.

Unitary System

A government system where authority rests with the national government, and subnational governments only have powers granted by the national government.

Confederation

A system where the national government is created by and relies on subnational governments for its authority.

Federalism

The division of power between national and subnational governments, preventing tyranny and increasing participation.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the ability to coin money and declare war.

Elastic Clause

Also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, it allows Congress to make laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that overlap between national and state governments, such as the power to tax and establish courts.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Guarantees that citizens of each state are afforded the same rights as citizens of all other states.

Extradition Clause

Requires states to return criminals to the states where they have been convicted or are to stand trial.

Dillon’s Rule

States that local governments do not have inherent sovereignty and must be authorized by state governments.

McCulloch v

A Supreme Court case that established the implied powers of Congress and reinforced the Supremacy Clause.

Gibbons v

A Supreme Court case that expanded Congress's authority under the commerce clause to regulate interstate commerce.

Barron v

A Supreme Court case that determined the Bill of Rights only applies to the national government, not the states.

Dual Federalism

A concept where state and national governments operate independently and are equally powerful.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where local, state, and national governments work together, especially during the New Deal era.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds appropriated to states for specific purposes.

Block Grants

Large grants given to states by the federal government with general spending guidelines.

Rehnquist Court

The Supreme Court under Chief Justice William Rehnquist, which favored states' rights and New Federalism.