APGOV: Unit 1B - Federalism

federalism

government authority shared by national and local governments

"necessary and proper" clause

section of the constitution allowing congress to pass all laws "necessary and proper" to its duties, and that has permitted congress to exercise powers not specifically given to it (enumerated) by the constitution

nullification

the doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state's opinion, violates the constitution

dual federalism

doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states are supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept separate

united states v. lopez

1995 - 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)

printz v. united states

1997 - the national government's authority to require state officials to administer or enforce a federal regulation is limited

gibbons v. ogden

1824 - the constitution's commerce clause gives the national government exclusive power to regulate interstate commerce

police power

state power to effect laws promoting health, safety, and morals

unitary system

a system of government where sovereignty is fully vested in the national government, not the states

confederal system

a system of government where state governments are sovereign, and the national government can do only what the states permit

federal system

a system of government where the national and state governments share sovereignty

initiative

process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot

referendum

procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature

recall

procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office

grants-in-aid

money given by the national government to the states

categorical grants

federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport

conditions of aid

terms set by the national government that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds

mandates

terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants

waiver

a decision by an administrative agency granting some other party permission to violate a law or rule that would otherwise apply to it

devolution

the transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments

AFDC

aid to families with dependent children