SSCG5

Federalism

A system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of the
government on a territorial basis between a national, or central, government, and several
regional government.

Enumerated powers

are powers of the government that are delegated to the national
government and are spelled out, or expressed, in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers that are not expressly stated in the Constitution, but are reasonably suggested, or implied.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause in the constitution that grants Congress the power to
make any laws necessary to carry out the enumerated powers granted to it by the constitution.

Concurrent powers

Powers that are shared by both the National and State governments
possess and exercise.

Reserved powers

Powers that are not granted to the National government, but at the same time, not denied to the States.

Denied Powers

Powers that are expressly denied to the National government by the
constitution

Executive Orders

are binding orders, from the president, that have the same effect as law but do not require Congressional approval

Framers

The twelve representatives who came together to draft the constitution of the United States

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the constitution that states that the Constitution stands above all other laws, including laws of States.

Amendment

an addition or alteration made to a constitution, statute, or legislative bill or resolution.

The Constitution

A document that explicitly creates government institutions, defines the scope of government power, and guarantees certain civil liberties.

Enumerated powers are also called

expressed powers

Most of the enumerated powers can be found in

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

The necessary and proper clause is also referred to as the

elastic clause

The Supreme Court has the responsibility of

applying the Supremacy Clause.

First Method

an amendment may be proposed by a two-thirds vote in each house of Congress and must be ratified by three-fourths of the State legislatures

Second Method

an amendment may be proposed, and then ratified by conventions called for the purpose of the amendment, in three-fourths of the States.

Third Method

An amendment may be proposed by a national convention, called by Congress, at the request of two-thirds of the State legislatures. It must then be ratified by three-fourths of the State legislatures.

The National government’s powers are focused on

issues of national concern like defense and foreign relations.

Fourth Method

An amendment may be proposed by a national convention and ratified by conventions in three-fourths of the States.