Government Chapter 2 and Federalism

unitary system

power is centralized in one central government (ex. Great Britain)

federal system

power is divided between a central government and several state/local governments (ex. USA)

confederal system

power is primarily vested in individual states, bound together by a weak central government (ex. US under articles of confederation)

why did the founders establish a federal system

to avoid tyranny by dividing power between multiple levels of government and because confederation hadn’t worked for us in the past-central government too weak

supremacy clause

declares the constitution and all federal laws, treaties, ect. as being the supreme law of the land

in the Supremacy clause states may not__________

conflict with or nullify the federal law

enumerated (expressed) powers

listed directly in the constitution (ex. declare war, coin money, ect.)

implied powers

additional powers that are reasonably granted from the expressed powers

inherent powers

assumed powers given to a recognized sovereign state/national government (ex. acquire territory)

state powers

not listed in the constitution, but given through the 10th amendment: all powers not expressly given to the national governmtn, not prohibited, are reserved for the states

reserved powers

state powers (ex. establish schools, regulate intrastate commerce, etc.)

concurrent powers

powers shared by both federal and state governments can exercise (ex. tax exports)

who settles conflicts

supreme court

people usually favor states’ rights or ____________

federal rights

dual federalism

clear separation- even tension, powers of each level of government are more defined and narrow, difficult to maintain

cooperative federalism

growth during new deal, shared powers, shared costs, blurred lines, allows federal government more power and control

layer cake

dual federalism (clear separation of powers)

marble cake

cooperative federalism )powers end up mixing between levels of government)

commerce clause

federal government had the right to regulate interstate and foreign commerce/trade

commerce clause has been used to increase the power of the _____________ over time

national government

gibbons vs. ogden

the power to regulate interstate commerce (in this case, waterways) is the exclusive power of the federal congress

US vs. Lopez

struck down a federal law banning guns in school zones (not interstate)

Printz vs. US

the national government cannot force state governments to carry out a federal regulatory program

full faith and credit clause

states are required to honor the court proceedings, contracts, and acts of other state governments

privileges and immunities clause

prevents states from depriving right (privleges) to citizens who reside in different states

fiscal federalism

states rely heavily in the federal government for funding

grants-in-aid

federal grants given to states or local governmets- helps to pay for everyday expenses