Federalism Vocabulary

Block Grants

Money given by the federal government to states with very few rules. States get flexibility to decide how to use the money for broad purposes like education or transportation.

Categorical Grants

Federal money given to states or local governments for a specific purpose, with strict rules on how it must be spent.

Devolution

The process of the federal government giving power and responsibility back to the states, especially for policy decisions.

Layer Cake Federalism

A model of federalism where national and state governments have separate, clearly defined powers and don’t overlap. Think neat layers stacked on top of each other.

Mandate

A rule or requirement the federal government imposes on states or local governments that they must follow.

Marble Cake Federalism

A model of federalism where national, state, and local governments share powers and responsibilities, often working together and overlapping.

Nullification

The idea that states have the right to declare a federal law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it. (Important: this idea has been rejected by the Supreme Court.)

Tenth Amendment

The amendment that says any powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. It’s the backbone of states’ rights.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements that states must follow without receiving money to carry them out.

Welfare Reform Act of 1996

A law that reduced federal welfare spending and gave states more control over welfare programs. It replaced cash welfare with temporary assistance and work requirements.