Learn: Chapter 3: Federalism (class slides)

Federalism

The division of power between the national government and state governments.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI provision making the U.S. Constitution and national laws supreme over state laws.

10th Amendment

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

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the national government by the U.S. Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Areas of public policy over which state governments retain exclusive authority.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court decision establishing federal supremacy and broad implied constitutional powers.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Article IV requirement that states respect each other's public acts, records, and judicial proceedings.

Laboratories of Democracy

Concept that states can experiment with unique public policies without risking national failure.

Dual Federalism

System where national and state governments operate in distinct, separate spheres ("layer cake").

Cooperative Federalism

System where national and state government responsibilities are intertwined ("marble cake").

14th Amendment

Guarantees birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection under state laws.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states with strict conditions and specific mandates.

Block Grants

Federal funding given for broad policy areas, allowing states spending flexibility.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal regulations that require state compliance without providing national funding.

Devolution

The process of shifting authority and responsibility from the federal government to states.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Supreme Court ruling that limited federal power under the Commerce Clause.