Politics in the Federal System – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering major federalism concepts, constitutional clauses, types of powers, and grant mechanisms discussed in Chapter 3 of GOVT 2306.

Federalism

System that balances power and sovereignty between state governments and the national government, with both deriving authority from the people.

Unitary System

Governmental structure in which ultimate power is vested in a central government; local governments possess only powers the central authority grants.

Confederation

Arrangement in which member governments are sovereign and the national government is limited to powers delegated by those members.

Unitary Principle (State–Local)

Under Texas law, local governments are creations of the state and have only powers the state grants.

Dillon Rule

Legal doctrine holding that local governments possess only those powers expressly given to them by the state government.

Devolution

The return or transfer of power from the national government back to the states.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically assigned to the national government by the U.S. Constitution, such as taxing, coining money, declaring war, and regulating interstate commerce.

Implied Powers

Powers not expressly stated in the Constitution but assumed by the national government as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional provision stating that federal law prevails over conflicting state laws.

Reserved Powers Clause

Tenth-Amendment provision granting states powers not delegated to the national government or prohibited by the Constitution.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the national and state governments, such as taxing and establishing courts.

Denied Powers

Powers prohibited to both national and state governments; many are listed in the Bill of Rights.

Vertical Federalism

The relationship between the states and the national government.

Horizontal Federalism

The relationship among the states themselves.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize civil judgments and official documents from other states.

Privileges and Immunities

Right of citizens to be protected by the laws and enjoy legal opportunities of any state they visit.

Extradition

Process by which a person accused of a crime is returned from one state to another for trial.

Interstate Compact

Formal, long-term cooperative agreement among states to address common problems; requires congressional approval.

Dual Federalism (Layer Cake)

19th-century concept in which national and state powers are clearly separated with minimal overlap (c. 1790–1930s).

Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake)

Modern concept in which national, state, and local governments share responsibilities and intermingle authority (1930s–today).

Fiscal Federalism

Transfer of money from the national government to state and local governments through various grants.

Categorical Grant-in-Aid

Federal money that must be spent on specific programs or purposes; primary form of federal assistance to states and localities.

Project Grant

Categorical grant awarded for a defined project, such as building a bridge or conducting research.

Formula Grant

Categorical grant distributed according to specific criteria such as population or income levels.

Conditions (on Grants)

Requirements that state or local governments must follow to receive federal funds.

Mandate

Federal law or regulation requiring state or local governments to take certain actions, often without reimbursement.

Preemption

Federal law that limits or removes the authority of state or local governments in a given policy area.

New Federalism

Political movement emphasizing decentralization, seeking to shift power and resources from the federal government back to states and localities.