GOV

Federalism

Division of power between the national government and state governments.

Unitary government

A system in which the central/national government holds most governing power.

Confederation

An alliance in which states retain most power and the central government is weak.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law and the Constitution are supreme over conflicting state laws.

10th Amendment / reserved powers

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

Enumerated powers

Specifically listed powers in the Constitution.

Unenumerated powers

Powers not expressly listed but recognized through constitutional principles such as implied powers.

Implied powers

Powers not expressly stated but reasonably inferred from the enumerated powers.

Concurrent powers

Powers exercised by both the national and state governments.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

The Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and with Native American tribes.

Devolution

The transfer of some responsibilities and powers from the national government to state governments.

Fiscal federalism

The use of federal taxing and spending to influence state and local policies.

Categorical grants

Federal funds that must be used for a specific purpose and usually include conditions.

Block grants

Federal funds provided for a broad purpose, giving states more flexibility in how to use them.

Revenue sharing

A system in which the federal government distributes tax revenue to state and local governments with few restrictions.

The Mandate Blues

The conflict created when federal mandates require states to meet standards.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review: the Supreme Court can declare acts of Congress or the executive unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established broad implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Held that Congress has broad power to regulate interstate commerce.

United States v. Lopez

Limited Commerce Clause power regarding possession of a gun in a school zone.

Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer

Limited presidential power to seize steel mills without congressional authority.

Clinton v. City of New York

The line-item veto was unconstitutional as it violated separation of powers.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts and records of other states.

Extradition

Requires a state to return a person accused of a crime to the state where the person is charged.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states regarding fundamental rights and economic opportunities.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to use implied powers to carry out enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and valid federal laws are supreme over conflicting state laws.

The Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate interstate commerce and activities that substantially affect it.

Federalism

Reflects the dynamic distribution of power between national and state governments.

Separation of powers

Divides national power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Fiscal federalism

The role of federal government spending, taxation, and grants in influencing state policies.