ap gov vocab quiz study group 1

concurrent powers

powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

extradition

the process of returning a fugitive to the state where they committed a crime

federalism

a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states. also separation of powers into 3 branches

full faith and credit

is a constitutional principle requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state

police powers

refer to the inherent authority of state governments to enact legislation to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the national government has none directly granted but accomplishes the same goals through other delegated powers

privileges and immunities

are the rights and protections that citizens of one state have when they are in another state, ensuring that individuals are treated equally regardless of their state of residence

supremacy clause

a provision in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law

block grants

are federal funds provided to state or local governments for broad purposes, allowing recipients to decide how to spend the money within certain guidelines

categorical grants

are federal funds allocated to state or local governments for specific purposes, with detailed requirements on how the money must be used

cooperative federalism

a system of government in which powers and responsibilities are shared between national and state governments, often working together to solve common issues

devolution

the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to state or local governments

federal grants

are financial awards given by the federal government to state or local governments for various projects, programs, or services, often with specific guidelines and conditions

fiscal federalism

a concept that describes the financial relations between units of government in a federal system, focusing on how funds are allocated and spent across different levels of government

grant-in-aid programs

financial assistance provided by the federal government to state and local governments for specific projects or programs, often requiring matching funds or adherence to certain regulations

mandates

requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments to ensure compliance with federal laws or regulations

revenue sharing

the distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments, allowing them to use the funds for various public services without specific federal requirements

strings

Federal funds allocated to states

commerce clause

a provision in the U.S. Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Native American tribes

dual federalism

a system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments, each having distinct areas of authority

elastic clause

a provision in the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to make laws necessary for carrying out its powers and to adaptable in a changing environment

enumerated powers

specific powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution, primarily the power to tax, regulate commerce, coin money, declare war, and raise an army

14th amendment (1868)

granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and ensured equal protection under the law. It also prohibits states from denying any person life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

implied powers

powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the elastic clause, allowing Congress to carry out its duties

necessary and proper clause

the constitutional provision that grants Congress the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers

10th amendment (1791)

reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of federal supremacy over state laws and affirmed the use of implied powers

United States v. Lopez (1995)

a landmark Supreme Court case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that the Gun-Free School Zones Act was unconstitutional. This case marked the first time in over half a century that the Court placed limits on Congress's commerce power. Appealed arguing that the Act violated the Commerce Clause