What is a federal republic?
A federal republic is a form of government with a division of powers between a national government and state governments, with no previous models.
What does the Elastic Clause allow Congress to do?
The Elastic Clause allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
What are Reserved Powers in the context of federalism?
Reserved Powers are powers not granted to the federal government that are retained by the states, such as regulating commerce and conducting elections.
What is the significance of the Necessary and Proper Clause?
The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to exercise powers not explicitly outlined in the U.S. Constitution, provided they are linked to an enumerated power.
What does the term 'interstate commerce' refer to?
Interstate commerce refers to the buying, selling, and movement of goods and services across state lines.
What was the outcome of McCulloch v. Maryland?
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the authority to establish a national bank and that Maryland could not tax it.
What is dual federalism?
Dual federalism is a system of government where state and federal powers are clearly defined and operate independently.
What did Gibbons v. Ogden establish?
Gibbons v. Ogden established that the federal government has the authority to regulate interstate commerce.
What are categorical grants?
Categorical grants are funds provided by the federal government to state or local governments for specific purposes with strict guidelines.
What is the purpose of a referendum?
A referendum allows registered voters to accept or reject proposed legislation.
What does the term 'nullification' mean in federalism?
Nullification is the act of a state attempting to void federal laws deemed unconstitutional.
What was the main issue in U.S. v. Lopez?
The case questioned whether the Gun-Free School Zone Act exceeded Congress's powers under the Commerce Clause.
What did Printz v. United States address?
Printz v. United States ruled that Congress could not compel state officials to conduct background checks for handgun purchases.
What is cooperative federalism as described compared to dual federalism?
Cooperative federalism suggests that federal and state governments work together in a more integrated manner, like a marble cake, rather than operating independently.
Who proposed the doctrines that led to the idea of nullification?
James Madison and Thomas Jefferson proposed the doctrines in the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.
What is a recall in governmental terms?
A recall is a procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office during their term.
What does the term 'unitary system' describe?
A unitary system is a form of government where power is centralized in the national government, which grants powers to subunits.
What does the Commerce Clause empower Congress to do?
The Commerce Clause empowers Congress to regulate trade and commerce with foreign nations and among the states.
What is the purpose of block grants?
Block grants provide federal funding to states with fewer restrictions on how the money should be spent.
What was the Alien and Sedition Acts' impact on nullification?
The Alien and Sedition Acts inspired the idea of nullification, leading states to claim the right to void unconstitutional federal laws.
How does federalism affect local governance?
Federalism allows state and local governments to have authority over various functions such as education, public health, and local law enforcement.