federalism

Dual Federalism

A system where the federal and state governments operate independently within their own spheres of influence.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where federal and state governments collaborate on policies and programs.

Gridlock

The main consequence of divided government, which slows down legislation and decision-making.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the authority to enact laws required to execute its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Declares the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.

10th Amendment

The constitutional provision weakened by the Supremacy Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Block Grants

Broad funding with flexibility in usage.

Categorical Grants

Specific funding with strict guidelines.

Example of a Categorical Grant

Federal funding for specific purposes, such as Medicaid.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

An unfunded mandate requiring accessibility for disabled individuals.

Devolution

The transfer of power from the federal government to state governments.

16th Amendment

The amendment that allowed the federal government to tax citizens.

Progressive Tax

A tax rate that increases with income (e.g., income tax).

Regressive Tax

A tax that disproportionately affects lower-income individuals (e.g., sales tax).

Fiscal Policy

Government actions related to taxation, spending, and borrowing to influence the economy.

Largest source of income for the federal government

Individual income taxes.

Deficit

When government expenditures exceed revenue.

Surplus

When government revenue exceeds expenditures.

Medicare

A federal program providing healthcare to individuals 65+ or with disabilities.

Medicaid

A joint federal-state program offering healthcare to low-income individuals.

Delegated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers reserved for the states under the 10th Amendment.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

The Supreme Court case that expanded the national government's power to regulate interstate commerce.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established the doctrine of implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Wickard v. Filburn (1942)

Broadened the interpretation of the Commerce Clause to include intrastate activities affecting interstate commerce.