Civics Federalism Unit- 12th grade Honors

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This allows for a balance of power and local governance.

delegated powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

reserved powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are instead reserved for the states or the people.

amendment X

The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

John Jay

One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, he served as the first Chief Justice of the United States and was a key negotiator of the Treaty of Paris.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Expressed Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

Article VI

of the United States Constitution, which establishes the supremacy of federal law over state laws and includes provisions regarding oaths of office and the prohibition of religious tests for officeholders.

Alexander Hamilton

A Founding Father and key architect of the American financial system, he served as the first Secretary of the Treasury.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the enumerated powers, allowing the federal government to carry out its functions effectively.

Denied Powers

Powers that are explicitly prohibited to the federal government or the states by the Constitution, ensuring a limited scope of government authority.

Supremacy Clause

A provision in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict, establishing the authority of the national government.

Article IV section 3 and 4

Outline the powers and responsibilities of states, including the admission of new states and the guarantee of a republican form of government.

Enabling Act

A law passed by Congress allowing a territory to draft a state constitution and apply for statehood.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes, often with conditions attached.

Allocation

The distribution of federal funds or resources to state and local governments, often based on specific criteria or needs.

McCulloch vs. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of federal supremacy over state laws and confirmed the constitutionality of the Bank of the United States.

Republican Government

A form of government in which representatives are elected by the citizenry to make decisions and govern on their behalf, emphasizing the principles of popular sovereignty and limited government.

Alter

To change or modify something, often in a way that impacts its original form or function.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states or local governments for broad purposes, allowing flexibility in spending.

Restraint

A principle in federalism that limits the powers of government, ensuring that authority is not abused and that individual rights are protected.

(Territorial) Integrity

The principle that a state's borders and territory should be respected and protected from external interference or alteration.

Federal Grants

Financial assistance provided by the federal government to state or local governments, often for specific projects or programs.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state or local governments to perform certain actions, often tied to federal funding.

Preemption

The legal principle that allows federal law to take precedence over state laws when both govern the same area, often limiting state authority.

Criminal Code

A set of laws that define criminal offenses and prescribe punishments for those offenses at the federal or state level.

Regulation

A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority, often governing the behavior of individuals and organizations within a jurisdiction.

Residency

The status of living in a particular state or locality, which often affects legal rights, voting eligibility, and taxation.

Sunshine Laws

Laws that require certain proceedings of government agencies to be open or accessible to the public, promoting transparency and accountability.

Administer

To manage or oversee the implementation of laws, regulations, or policies.

Extradite

To send a person accused of a crime back to the jurisdiction where the crime was committed, often based on a legal agreement between states or nations.

Interstate Compact

An agreement between two or more states that is approved by Congress, allowing them to cooperate on shared issues and manage resources.

States Rights

The political doctrine asserting that states have certain rights and powers independent of the federal government, often focused on issues like governance and individual liberties.

License

A formal permission granted by a governmental authority to engage in a regulated activity, such as driving or practicing a profession.

Privileges and Immunities

A constitutional guarantee that citizens of each state are entitled to the same rights and protections as citizens of other states, preventing discrimination based on state residency.

Sunset Laws

Laws that establish a predetermined expiration date for certain regulations or programs, requiring periodic review to assess their effectiveness.

Nationalist Position

The viewpoint that emphasizes the importance of a strong national government over state authority, advocating for centralized power to address national issues.

What were the federalists arguments?

Federalists argued for a strong central government to maintain order, protect individual rights, and promote economic stability, emphasizing the need for a unified nation.

What were the anti federalists arguments?

Anti-Federalists argued against a strong central government, fearing it would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty. They believed in preserving local governance and were concerned about the potential for tyranny.

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers were written to advocate for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, explaining its principles and the necessity of a strong central government to ensure stability and protect rights.

Name the Anti Federalists?

Prominent Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Richard Henry Lee, who opposed the Constitution and advocated for stronger protections of individual rights.

Name the Federalists?

Prominent Federalists included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, who supported the Constitution and argued for a strong national government.

List one national/federal power and one state power?

One national power is the ability to regulate interstate commerce, while a state power is the authority to conduct elections.

Provide examples of denied powers?

Denied powers include the prohibition of states to coin money and the national government's inability to tax exports.

Define the Supremacy Clause:

The Supremacy Clause is a provision in the U.S. Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict between the two.

An act that limits a states ability to regulate an area is called_______?

a federal mandate.

Money to states or local governments for specific purposes is called __________?

federal grants-in-aid.

_______ allows the people of a territory to prepare a constitution, in attempt to become a state.

The process of statehood

Define Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states.

In most states, to establish residency, a person must ______ there for a certain period of time.

reside/live

When states are in conflict with each other, which institution may be called upon to resolve the issue?

The Supreme Court

In most cases, _______ support a nationalist position, while __________ support a states rights position.

democrats, republicans

What is Eminent domain?

the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.

List two benefits of Federalism:

Federalism allows states to adopt policies that best fit their needs. Another benefit of federalism is it protects the American people from tyranny. Because power isn't concentrated at one level—or within one branch of government—it's difficult for one branch to take control of the others.

________ powers are exercised by each level of government.

concurrent

Explain the difference between delegated and reserved powers.

A delegated power is a power given to the national government. A reserved power is a power specifically reserved to the states.

_______ powers are enumerated or directly listed in the Constitution.

expressed

Where in the Constitution in the supremacy clause found?

Article VI , Paragraph 2

Which part of the Constitution established reserved powers?

Tenth Amendment

States often create agreements called interstate _______ to hash out things like who’s going to pay for bridges.

compacts

Returning a fugitive who flees across state lines back to the state where the crime was committed is called ________

extradite

________ laws have a specific end date. While _________ laws prohibit officials from holding meetings not open to the public.

Sunset, sunrise