AP Gov 3

block grants

Money from the national government that states can spend within guidelines determined by Washington

categorical grants

Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport

commerce clause

Clause stating that Congress can regulate interstate and international commerce.

concurrent powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

conditions of aid

terms set by the national government that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds

confederation or confederal

A system in which the national government may do only what the states permit

cooperative federalism

A system of government in which powers and policy assignments are shared between states and the national government.

devolution/devolution revolution

the transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments

dual federalism

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.

elastic clause

the part of the Constitution that permits Congress to make any laws "necessary and proper" to carrying out its powers

enumerated(expressed) powers

The powers of the federal government that are specifically described in the Constitution(seperation of powers)

extradition

The legal process by which a fugitive from justice in one state is returned to that state

federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

formula grants

grant where states and local governments are given funds on the basis of a formula.

fiscal federalism

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system; cornerstone of the national government's relations with state and local governments.

full faith and credit clause

each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state

grants-in-aid

money given by the national government to the states

implied powers

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution

interstate compacts

Contracts between states that carry the force of law; multistate policy concerns

mandate

an authoritative command

necessary and proper clause

constitutional authorization for Congress to make any law required to carry out its powers

New Federalism (Competitive Federalism)

system in which the national government restores greater authority back to the states

nullification

A state's refusal to recognize an act of Congress that it considers unconstitutional

police power

state power to enact laws promoting health, safety, and morals

preemption

the federal government's ability to take over a state government function

privileges and immunities clause

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

reserved powers

Powers given to the state government alone

sovereignty

supreme power or authority

states' rights

the rights and powers held by individual US states

supremacy clause

Article 10 of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution supreme over state laws

Unfunded Mandates

Programs that the Federal government requires States to have without Federal funding.

unitary system

A government that gives all key powers to the national government