AP Gov: Chapter 3 Federalism

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided by a written constitution between the central gov and regional governments.

Unitary System

A centralised government system where local or subdivisional governments exercise only those powers given to them by the central government.

Confederal System

A system consisting of a league of independent states, each having essentially sovereign powers. The central government has limited powers, while states retain most authority.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the constitution.

Implied Powers

Gives Congress all powers that can be reasonably inferred but are not expressly stated.

Inherent Powers

A special category of national powers that are not implied by the necessary and proper clause.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated in the constitution are reserved to states or people.

Police Power

The authority to legislate for the protection of health, morals, safety, and the welfare of people. Mostly reserved to states.

Concurrent Powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

Prohibited Powers

Powers that are prohibited or denied to the national government. Any power not granted expressly or implicitly to the federal government is prohibited to it.

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional provision that makes the Constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws.

Horizontal Checks

A check against the expansion of government power that relies on checks and balances between branches of government at the same level.

Vertical Checks

Structural checks against the accumulation of too much power in any one level of government.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Protects the rights of citizens as they move from state to state. 

Privileges and Immunities

Special rights and exceptions are provided by law. States may not discriminate against one another’s citizens.

Interstate Extradition

To surrender an accused or convicted criminal to the authorities of the state from which they have fled.

Interstate Compact

An agreement between 2 or more states to address common issues.

McCulloch vs Maryland

A court case that allowed Congress to establish a national bank under the necessary and proper clause and that no state could tax an arm of the national government.

Gibbons vs Ogden

Court case that defined commerce as all commercial interactions, validates the increase in power of national legislature to regulate commerce

Commerce Clause

Section of the Constitution in which Congress is given the power to regulate trade among the states and with foreign countries.

Civil War Amendments

13th - Abolished slavery

14th - Equal protection under law

15th - Gives black people the right to vote

Dual Federalism

A system where the states and the national government each remain supreme within its own sphere.

16th Amendment

Authorized a national income tax

Cooperative Federalism

The theory that states and national government should cooperate in solving problems.

Categorical Grant

Federal grant to states or local governments that is for a specific programs or projects.

Formula Grants

Categorical grant used to fund state programs using a formula based on variables like the states needs, population, or willingness to come up with matching funds.

Programs Grants

Requires states to apply for grants for specific programs. These give national government a greater degree of control over state activities than formula grants.

Block Grants

Federal program that provides funds to state and local governments for general functional areas.

Federal Mandates

Requirement in federal legislation that forces states and municipalities to comply with certain rules.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from a national or central government to a state or local government.

Revenue Sharing

National government provides direct, unconditional finance support to state and local governments

United States vs Lopez

Supreme court ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act was unconstitutional because Congress exceeded its power under the commerce clause.

11th Amendment

In most circumstances precludes lawsuits against state governments for violations of rights established by federal laws unless the states consent to be sued.