AP Gov unit 2

Checks and balances

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Federalism

Division of power between the national government and state governments.

Legislative branch

The branch of government that makes laws (Congress: House + Senate).

Expressed (enumerated) powers

Powers specifically written in the Constitution for the national government.

Necessary and proper clause (elastic clause)

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its expressed powers.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but assumed through the necessary and proper clause.

Executive branch

The branch of government that enforces laws (President, Cabinet, federal agencies).

Judicial branch

The branch of government that interprets laws (Supreme Court and other federal courts).

Supremacy clause

The Constitution and federal laws are the “supreme law of the land.”

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution and a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who wanted stronger state governments and a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Faction

A group of people united by a common interest or goal, often seen as a threat to public interest.

Unitary system

A system where power is held mainly by a central government.

Confederal system

A system where states hold most power and the national government is weak.

Federal system

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

Exclusive powers

Powers only the national government can use.

Commerce clause

Gives Congress power to regulate trade between states and with foreign nations.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

Reserved powers

Powers kept by the states under the Constitution.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Full faith and credit clause

States must respect the laws, records, and court decisions of other states.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery in the U.S.

Fourteenth Amendment

Defines citizenship, guarantees equal protection, and applies due process to the states.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race or previous condition of servitude.

Dual federalism

National and state governments operate independently within their own areas (“layer cake” federalism).

Cooperative federalism

National and state governments work together on policies and programs (“marble cake” federalism).

Grants-in-aid

Federal money given to states to fund specific programs.

Fiscal federalism

The federal government’s use of money to influence state policies.

Categorical grants

Federal money for a specific purpose, with strict rules.

Unfunded mandate

A federal requirement imposed on states without giving them money to pay for it.

Block grant

Federal money given to states for a general purpose with more flexibility.

Devolution

Returning power from the federal government back to the states.

Revenue sharing

Federal money distributed to states with no strings attached.