Federalism in American and Texas Government

A set of flashcards covering key concepts of federalism as discussed in the lecture notes, including definitions and explanations of various forms of government, powers, amendments, and federalism impacts.

Federalism

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

Unitary Government

A system of governance where all powers are held by a single, central authority, with limited or no powers for local governments.

Confederation

A union of sovereign groups or states united for purposes of common action, often with weak central authority.

Concurrent Powers

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

Denied Powers

Powers that are explicitly prohibited to either the national government or the state governments.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

10th Amendment

An amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states.

Dual Federalism

A concept where state and national governments operate independently within their own spheres of power.

Cooperative Federalism

A system of governance where state and national governments work together to solve problems and provide services.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relations between units of government in a federal government system, including how money is distributed to lower levels of government.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to state and local governments for specific purposes with specific conditions.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with fewer restrictions on how money should be spent compared to categorical grants.

Picket Fence Federalism

A modified form of cooperative federalism where different levels of government are involved in specific policy areas rather than completely separate.

14th Amendment

An amendment that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and ensures equal protection under the law.

Race to the Bottom

A dynamic in which states compete for business investment by lowering taxes and regulations, often harming public welfare.

Civil War Amendments

Three amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) added to the Constitution to establish civil rights and voting rights following the Civil War.

Interstate Compacts

Agreements between states for cooperative governance on mutual issues, often requiring congressional approval.

Privileged and Immunities Clause

A provision in the Constitution that prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.