AP Gopo Jan 31

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body, such as Congress, brings charges against a government official, including the President, for misconduct.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the national and state governments, such as the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose, such as education or transportation, with strict guidelines on how the money can be spent.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with fewer restrictions on how the money should be spent, allowing for more flexibility in addressing various needs.

Mandates

Rules or orders issued by the federal government directing states to comply with certain policies, often with financial repercussions for non-compliance.

Federalism

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

10th Amendment

The constitutional amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states and the people.

14th Amendment

The constitutional amendment addressing citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, often used in civil rights litigation.

Commerce Clause

A provision in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the ability to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Elastic Clause

Another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause, emphasizing its role in allowing Congress to stretch its powers to meet modern needs.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government, such as the power to declare war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but inferred from the enumerated powers, allowing the government to carry out its functions.

Policymaking

The process of creating laws, regulations, and policies that govern the behavior of individuals and organizations within society.

McCulloh v Maryland (1819)

A landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws and recognized implied powers of Congress.

US v Lopez (1995)

A Supreme Court case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that the possession of a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that affects interstate commerce.