Lecture Notes on Federalism

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to federalism as outlined in the lecture notes.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.

Unitary Government

A system of government in which a single central government has authority over all key policy decisions.

Confederation

A union of sovereign groups or organizations that delegate certain powers to a central authority.

Total Number of Governments in America (2013)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 90,106 governments.

Supremacy Clause

The constitutional provision that ensures that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the national and state governments, such as the ability to tax and make laws.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

A provision that prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner.

Denial of Powers

Certain powers that are explicitly denied to the state or national government.

Dual Federalism

A model of federalism where the national and state governments operate independently within their own spheres of authority.

Cooperative Federalism

A model of federalism where national and state governments share responsibilities and collaborate on major policies.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationships between different levels of government, specifically how federal funds are allocated to lower levels.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants that are given to state or local governments for specific purposes with strict guidelines.

Block Grants

Federal funding that provides states with a specified amount of money to be spent at their discretion in a general area.

Coercive Federalism

A form of federalism in which the federal government pressures states to implement certain policies through grants or mandates.