Chapter 3: The Logic of American Politics (Federalism)

block grant (Ask)

A broad grant of money given by the federal government to a state government. The grant specifies the general area (such as education or health services) in which the funds may be spent but leaves it to the state to determine the specific allocations

cutthroat competition

Competition among states that involves adopting policies that each state would prefer to avoid. For example, states engage in this when they underbid one another on tax breaks to attract businesses relocating their facilities.

dual federalism

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.

elastic clause

the part of the Constitution that permits Congress to make any laws "necessary and proper" to carrying out its powers

enumerated powers

powers specifically given to congress in the constitution; including the power to collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and declare war.

federalism

a system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

matching grant (Ask)

A grant of money given by the federal government to a state government for which the federal government provides matching funds, usually between one and two dollars, for every dollar the state spends in some area

nationalization

Shifting to the national government responsibilities traditionally exercised by the states

preemption legislation

Laws passed by Congress that override or preempt state or local policies. The power of preemption derives from the supremacy clause (Article VI) of the Constitution.

race to the bottom

When states "______," or compete, to provide a minimum level of services (such as welfare spending) or regulation (such as tax incentives for corporations). There remains much debate over whether or not states do indeed _______________.

shared federalism

a system in which the national and state governments share in providing citizens with a set of goods

states' rights

the belief that an individual state may restrict federal authority

Tenth Amendment

the powers not delegated to the united states by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

McCulloch v. Maryland

ruled that a bank could not be taxed; constitution is the supreme law of the land

Gibbons v. Ogden

gave federal government authority to regulate commerce

Griswold v. Connecticut

ruled that states prohibiting the use of contraceptives was violating privacy of citizens. Said that woman can take the pill and let the baby die.

Roe v. Wade

ruled that abortion is legal

Supremacy clause

The national laws are the "supreme" law of the land and therefore take precedence over any laws adopted by states or localities

16th Amendment

Allows the federal (United States) government to levy (collect) an income tax from all Americans. Income tax allows for the federal government to keep an army, build roads and bridges, enforce laws and carry out other important duties.

17th Amendment

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.

Federal Grants

An award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States.

Unfunded Mandates

A statute or regulation that requires a state or local government to perform certain actions, with no money provided for fulfilling the requirements. Public individuals or organizations can also be required to fulfill public mandates.

Unitary Government

A centralized government in which all government powers belong to a single, central agency.

Externality

An effect felt by more people than just the one who chose to cause it.

grants-in-aid

Money given by the national government to the states