3 pos 2041

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to American federalism as presented in the lecture notes.

Sovereignty

The ultimate political authority in a system.

Unitary System

A system of government where sovereignty is fully vested in the national government, not the states.

Confederation System

A system of government where state governments are sovereign, and the national government can do only what the states permit.

Federal System

A system of government where the national and state governments share sovereignty.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws 'necessary and proper' to its duties.

Nullification

The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that violates the Constitution.

Dual Federalism

Doctrine holding that national government is supreme in its sphere, states are supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept separate.

Cooperative Federalism

Idea that federal and state governments share power in many policy areas.

Laboratories of Democracy

Idea that different states can implement different policies, and successful ones will spread.

Initiative

Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot.

Referendum

Procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature.

Recall

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.

Grants-in-Aid

Money given by the national government to the states.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport.

Conditions of Aid

Terms set by the national government that states must meet to receive certain federal funds.

Mandates

Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants.

Waiver

A decision by an administrative agency granting permission to violate a law or rule that would otherwise apply.

Devolution

The transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments.

Federalism

A political system in which the national government shares power with local governments.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationships between different levels of government.

Intergovernmental Lobby

Lobby made up of mayors, governors, and other officials who depend on federal funds.

Block Grants

Grants from the federal government for broad purposes with fewer restrictions.

Mandates vs. Conditions of Aid

Mandates are rules that states must follow; conditions of aid are terms that must be accepted to receive federal funds.

Roe v. Wade

1973 established a constitutional right to abortion, preventing states from banning it and heavily regulating restrictions

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

2022: The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the authority to regulate abortion to the states.

National Federation of Business v. Sebelius (2012)

Supreme Court ruling upheld ACA, but deemed Medicaid expansion coercive and unconstitutional.

As of early 2024, 40 states and Washington D.C. opted to expand Medicaid.

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)

ruled the individual mandate constitutional under the tax clause but not under the commerce clause, and limited the federal government’s power to penalize states for non-compliance with Medicaid expansion.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Constitution permits Congress to create a national bank; reinforced national supremacy.

Wabash v. Illinois (1886)

Supreme Court case that limited states' power to regulate interstate commerce, emphasizing federal authority.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Supreme Court case that ruled the Gun-Free School Zones Act was unconstitutional, limiting Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause & Congress cannot regulate matters not directly related to interstate commerce.

United States v. Morrison (2000)

Congress cannot allow victims to sue in federal court based solely on gender-related crimes

Federal Maritime Commission v. South Carolina Ports Authority (2002)

States didn’t consent to be appendages of federals.

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)

Limitations on Congress's power regarding jointly funded programs.

Arizona v. United States (2012)

Affirmed federal oversight of immigration law.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Same-sex marriage recognized constitutionally.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

2010 law (also known as Obamacare) regarding health care, particularly Medicaid funding.

Medicaid assists low-income individuals, families, and some disabled individuals in accessing medical care.