CH3 National and State Power Over Time

A set of flashcards covering the evolution of federalism, key Supreme Court decisions, major grant programs, and contemporary federal-state dynamics.

What is the most fundamental impact of federalism on how the United States is governed, according to the notes?

It is the federal framework itself and its dynamic, non-static nature that shapes governance as competing forces use different levels of government to pursue their interests.

At the founding, which level of government had more power to influence the lives of ordinary Americans?

The states.

What is the term for the system in which the national government was small and state governments did most of the governing?

Dual federalism (state-centered federalism).

What metaphor did commentators use to describe dual federalism?

Layer cake federalism.

What major event in the 1930s led to a vast expansion of national powers?

The New Deal during the Great Depression.

What are grants that specify the purposes for which money can be used and often require matching funds called?

Categorical grants (grants-in-aid with strings).

Which case established that Congress can charter a national bank using implied powers?

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).

Which case established the supremacy of federal power in interstate commerce and defined the scope of 'commerce among the states'?

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824).

Which clause justifies implied powers and the ability to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out delegated powers?

The Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8).

What change did the Supreme Court make to Commerce Clause interpretation after 1937?

The Court broadened federal power, treating the Commerce Clause as a source of national power rather than a limitation, signaling the end of dual federalism.

What administrative shift did the New Deal era introduce, besides increased federal power?

Cooperative federalism and the use of grants to states.

Which program provides grants to pay for medical care for the poor, disabled, and many nursing home residents?

Medicaid.

What term describes the system where national, state, and local policies overlap and cooperate in a single 'marble cake' federalism?

Marble cake federalism (cooperative federalism).

What is the term for when the federal government sets rules or standards that states must follow, sometimes via grants?

Regulated federalism.

What term describes when the federal government takes over areas of regulation from state governments due to inconsistent state standards?

Preemption (federal preemption).

Which act, enacted in 1998, prohibits states and localities from taxing Internet access services?

Internet Tax Freedom Act.

Which 2006 Supreme Court case held that the federal government could not prohibit Oregon's assisted suicide law?

Gonzales v. Oregon.

What change occurred in 2022 regarding states' rights to set emission standards?

The Biden administration restored states’ rights to set stricter emission standards than federal standards.

Name three crises in the 21st century that shifted power toward the national government.

September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; the 2008 financial crisis; the COVID-19 pandemic.