Chapter 3: American Federalism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, cases, and dynamics of federalism as presented in the lecture notes.

Shared sovereignty

A core feature of the U.S. federal system where both national and state governments hold authority over the same territory.

Federal system

A government structure that divides power between national and subnational units with checks and balances.

Broad Nationalists

Leaders who advocated expansive national power (e.g., Madison, Hamilton, Wilson, Morris) and supported a strong central government.

Narrow Nationalists

Leaders who favored limited, clearly defined national powers and stronger state rights (e.g., Sherman, Ellsworth).

Supremacy Clause

Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land; federal law overrides conflicting state laws; the Supreme Court referees disputes.

Reserved powers

Powers retained by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly listed but inferred from enumerated powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Inherent powers

Powers the federal government possesses by virtue of national sovereignty.

Unenumerated powers

Powers not expressly listed in the Constitution, often relied upon through interpretation or practice.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate interstate and international commerce, providing a basis for federal regulatory power.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states in fundamental rights and privileges.

Extradition

Obligation of states to return individuals accused or convicted of crimes to the state with jurisdiction.

Fugitive Slave Clause (Obsolete)

Clause requiring the return of escaped enslaved people; repealed/obsolete after abolition.

Categorical grants

Federal funds provided for specific purposes with conditions or strings attached.

Block grants

Federal funds given with more discretion to states for broad purposes, with fewer strings.

Fiscal Federalism

Study of how money shapes power in a federal system, through grants and funding.)

Unfunded mandates

Federal requirements placed on states without providing funding to meet them.

Laboratories of democracy

Brandeis’ idea that states can experiment with policies without risking the nation; can lead to innovation.

Coercive federalism

Using federal funding or mandates to push states toward national policy goals.

One Big Beautiful Bill

Trump Administration proposal for comprehensive federal infrastructure and economic development funding; seen as coercive by some.

DEFG: DOGE (Defending Our Government Efficiency)

Plan to consolidate federal grant programs into block grants with fewer restrictions; controversial for potential funding reductions.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Supreme Court decision establishing a national standard for same-sex marriage, illustrating evolving federalism.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

2022 Supreme Court decision that allowed states to regulate abortion, reshaping federalism dynamics.

Sanctuary policies

State policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.