Federalism in the United States

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to federalism in the United States, sourced from lecture notes.

Federalism

A system of government that divides power between a national government and state governments.

Compound Republic

A government structure that encourages opposite and rival centers of power to protect liberty.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically mentioned in the Constitution as belonging to the national government.

Concurrent Powers

Powers recognized in the Constitution as belonging to both national and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the national government that are reserved for the states or the people.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its expressed powers.

State Obligations

States are required to recognize actions and decisions taken by other states under Article IV.

Dual Federalism

A system where state and national governments have separate, distinct responsibilities, likened to a layer cake.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where national and state responsibilities overlap and cooperate, especially during crises like the Great Depression.

New Federalism

Efforts to shift responsibilities from the federal government back to state and local governments, popularized by President Reagan.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds for specific purposes that must be approved by federal agencies.

Block Grants

Grants for broad functional areas with limited requirements on how states can use the funds.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy allowing citizens to initiate and vote on policy issues directly.

Initiative

A process allowing voters to propose legislation or constitutional amendments through petitions.

Referendum

A voting process where the electorate has the authority to approve or reject legislation passed by the legislature.

Recall Election

A procedure that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

Conservatives in Federalism

Those who advocate for returning power to state and local governments and are skeptical of federal intervention.

Liberals in Federalism

Those who believe in using national government power to effect social changes and address public issues.

Electoral Votes

Votes allocated to each state which determine the election of the President, based on the number of representatives and senators.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights.

Evolution of Federalism

The transformation of the balance of power in American federalism from state-centered to national-centered.

Laboratories of Democracy

The idea that states can experiment with solutions to social and economic problems, promoting policy innovation.