Federalism Vocabulary Terms

A list of vocabulary flashcards to help review key terms and concepts related to federalism.

Federalism

System in which power is divided between national and state or local governments.

Enumerated Powers

Powers written into the Constitution that have been given to the national government.

Reserved Powers

Powers given to the state governments alone.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the national and state governments.

Implied Powers

Powers given to the federal government that have been reasonably inferred from the Constitution.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws essential to carrying out its expressed duties. This provision allows the national government to carry out implied powers.

Nullification

The doctrine that a state can void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision that gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate and foreign trade.

United States v. Lopez

Ruling that declared the national government’s power under the commerce clause does not permit it to regulate matters not directly related to interstate commerce; in this case, banning firearms in a school zone.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Ruling that declared the federal government had the power to establish a national bank under the necessary and proper clause.

Unitary System

System in which power is centralized in one body; state or regional governments derive authority from the central government.

Confederal System

System in which power is held by a loose union of independent states. The central government is weak in relation to the power of the states.

Initiative

Process that permits voters to put state legislative measures directly on the ballot.

Referendum

Procedure that allows voters to reject a measure passed by the state legislature.

Recall

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.

Federal Revenue Sharing

The distribution of a percentage of federal tax income to state and local governments.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants given to states for specific purposes, often with strings attached, such as building an airport or a highway. 

Block Grants

Federal grants given to states for broader purposes, such as healthcare or education. 

Conditions of Aid

Strings attached by the national government that states must meet to receive certain federal funds.

Mandates

Terms set by the national government that states are required to meet whether or not they accept federal grants.

14th Amendment

This constitutional provision provides a guarantee of citizenship, as well as equal protection and due process, which have been the sources of incorporation for key protections in the Bill of Rights.

10th Amendment

Provision that states all powers not given to the federal government in the Constitution are reserved for the states.