AM Gov

What is the main consequence of a divided government?

It helps to prevent tyranny and allows the federal government to take care of national needs and the states can take care of local needs.

The necessary and proper clause gives Congress the power to do what?

It allows Congress to do whatever is “necessary and proper” to carry out its delegated powers. (i.e. Congress can create a national bank because it is carrying out its delegated duty to coin money - McCulloch v. Maryland)

federalism.

The division of powers between the national and state governments.

difference between block grants and categorical grants?

Block grants are large sums of money given to state or local governments for general purposes with fewer restrictions on how the funds are spent, allowing for greater flexibility. Categorical grants, on the other hand, are funds provided for a specific purpose or project, with detailed regulations and requirements on how the money can be used

What is the supremacy clause?

Federal law is supreme to state law and the U.S. The Constitution is the law  of the land. It sets up a ladder of laws as a way to settle disputes between the states and the federal government with the Constitution being the final authority.

delegated powers.

Coin money, collect taxes, raise an army, create post offices, regulate trade between the states, grant copyrights and patents

What amendment allowed the federal government to tax citizens?

16th amendment

What constitutional provision broadened the power of Congress?

The “necessary and proper” Clause also known as the elastic clause - it allows Congress to do whatever is necessary and proper to carry out its delegated powers.

What Constitutional provision has been interpreted as weakening the 10^th Amendment?

The Supremacy Clause

What were the precedents set in McCulloch v. Maryland?

It states that federal law is supreme to state law

States cannot tax federal entities

1. List the Supreme Court cases that expanded the power of the federal government.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Gibbons v. Ogden

1. Define the privileges and immunities clause and list the three exceptions to the clause.

That there should be no “unreasonable distinctions” made between citizens of one state and another. Exceptions are: in-state and out-state tuition, voting, hunting and fishing licences.

What Supreme Court case expanded the national government’s power to regulate interstate commerce?

Gibbons v. Ogden

1. What congressional power has been most contested in court?

the power to regulate interstate commerce

Why do states prefer block grants to categorical grants?

Blocks allow the states to have more discretion over how to spend their money. Categorical grants come with lots of strings attached (lots of rules and regulations that the states have to follow).

1. Define and list some concurrent powers.

power to tax, make laws, establish courts, borrow money

Define reserved power.

Powers that belong to the states. Any power not denied to the states nor given to the federal government are reserved to the states.

1. Define Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare is health insurance for the elderly.

Medicaid is health insurance for the poor.