Key Concepts in Federalism and Constitutional Amendments

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to federalism and constitutional amendments.

Cooperative federalism

A system where federal, state, and local governments work together on policy.

Federal system

A political structure that shares power between national and subnational governments.

Necessary and proper clause

Authorizes Congress to pass all laws needed to execute its enumerated powers.

Seventeenth Amendment

Provides for direct election of U.S. senators.

Tenth Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or people.

Initiative

A process allowing voters to propose legislation and submit it to the electorate for a vote.

Confederation

A loose association of independent states with limited central authority.

Categorical grant

Federal funds provided to states for a specific purpose.

Dual federalism

A system where national and state governments remain supreme in their separate spheres.

Police powers

State authority to regulate behavior and enforce order for the welfare of citizens.

New Federalism

A shift to return more power and responsibilities to state governments.

Sixteenth Amendment

Legalized the federal income tax.

Unfunded mandates

Federal directives without accompanying funds for implementation.

Referendum

A legislative act referred for final approval to a popular vote.

Commerce clause

Grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., taxing, law enforcement).

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not stated but necessary to carry out enumerated powers.

Preemption

A doctrine where federal law overrides or precludes state law.

Sovereign immunity

Legal doctrine that a government cannot be sued without its consent.

Unitary system

Centralized government where local units have only powers granted by the central government.

Recall

A procedure to remove an elected official through a direct vote before their term ends.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the federal government to state or local levels.

Fourteenth Amendment

Grants citizenship and equal protection under the law.

Interstate compacts

Agreements between states that require congressional approval.

Reserve powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government, reserved to the states.

Supremacy clause

Establishes federal laws and treaties as the highest law of the land.

Privileges and immunities clause

Prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Full faith and credit clause

Requires states to honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Federal mandate

A federal requirement that states must follow, often tied to funding.