Federalism and Systems of Government

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to Federalism and Systems of Government.

Federalism

A power-sharing arrangement between the national and state governments.

Unitary System

A centralized governmental system where ultimate authority rests with the national government.

Confederal System

A league of independent states where the central government has limited power.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but assumed to exist due to their necessity to implement enumerated powers.

Police Power

The authority to legislate for the protection of the health, morals, safety, and welfare of the people.

Concurrent Powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

Supremacy Clause

The provision in the Constitution that establishes federal laws and the Constitution as superior to state laws.

Interstate Relations

The constitutional stipulations for how states interact with one another, including full faith and credit and privileges and immunities.

Dual Federalism

A doctrine emphasizing the distinction between federal and state functions, where neither interferes with the other's sphere.

Cooperative Federalism

A model of federalism where the states and national government collaborate to solve problems.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given to states for specific purposes with conditions attached.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states for broad functional areas without specific requirements.

Federal Mandates

Requirements in federal legislation that states and municipalities must comply with certain rules.

Tenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment stating that powers not delegated to the national government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.