Keeping the Republic: Federalism Key Terms

Flashcards covering key terms related to Federalism for 'Keeping the Republic' lecture notes.

devolution

The transfer of power from a central government to a subnational (e.g., state, local) level.

federalism

A system of government in which power is divided by a constitution between a central government and regional governments.

enumerated powers of Congress

Specific powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

necessary and proper clause

Often referred to as the 'Elastic Clause,' granting Congress the power to pass all laws 'necessary and proper' for carrying into execution the enumerated powers.

supremacy clause

Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, establishing that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

concurrent powers

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.

dual federalism

A system of government in which the federal and state governments each remain supreme within their own spheres of power, often referred to as 'layer cake' federalism.

cooperative federalism

A system of government in which federal and state governments collaborate on common policy areas, often referred to as 'marble cake' federalism.

unitary systems

A system of government where the central government holds most of the power, and subnational units have little independent authority.

confederal systems

A system of government where power resides in independent, sovereign states, and the central government has limited authority.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case (1819) that affirmed the implied powers of Congress under the 'necessary and proper' clause and the supremacy of federal law over state laws.

Gibbons v. Ogden

A landmark Supreme Court case (1824) that broadly interpreted Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause.

nullification

A legal theory that a state has the right to invalidate any federal law which that state deems unconstitutional.

categorical grant

Federal grants given to states and localities for specific purposes, often with strict conditions on how the money is to be spent.

block grants

Federal grants given to states and localities for broad purposes, allowing more discretion in how the funds are spent.

unfunded mandate

A federal requirement that states or local governments perform certain actions without providing funding to cover the costs.