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Gibbons v Ogden
A landmark 1824 Supreme Court case that interpreted the Commerce Clause of article one, section eight, and determined that Congress had the sole authority to regulate interstate commerce
Commerce Clause of article one, section eight
The legal aspect interpreted by the Supreme Court in the Gibbons v Ogden case, emphasizing Congress's authority over interstate commerce regulation
National government's power over states
Strengthened by the Supreme Court ruling in Gibbons v Ogden, asserting the supremacy of federal law over state laws
Doctrine of nullification
The right of states to reject national laws they deemed unconstitutional within their borders, exemplified by resolutions passed by Kentucky and Virginia legislatures
Nullification crisis
Led by high tariffs on imported goods during Andrew Jackson's presidency, highlighting the struggle between states and the national government
13th Amendment
Freed all slaves in the United States, marking the end of legal slavery
Conditions for readmitting former Confederate states
Imposition of several conditions by Congress, including the ratification of the 14th and 15th Amendments
14th Amendment
Defined what it meant to be a citizen of the United States, shaping citizens' legal status and rights post-Civil War
15th Amendment
Stated that no citizen would be discriminated against based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, granting blacks the right to vote
Laissez faire philosophy
Economic philosophy during dual federalism advocating minimal government intervention in economic affairs
Cooperative federalism
Aimed to expand the federal government's size and mix functions of government levels to address socioeconomic issues
Expansion of federal workforce during FDR's presidency
Primarily to implement the New Deal programs to combat the Great Depression
Requiring state and local authorities to meet federal standards
Aims to ensure uniformity in public service provision under cooperative federalism
New Federalism
Aimed to return more power to the states, devolving power from the federal government, seen during Nixon and Reagan's presidencies
Federal agencies providing money to states
Due to the country's size and issue complexity, highlighting the practical need for state assistance in governance
Federalism
A system of government dividing power between a central authority (federal government) and states, each with its own jurisdiction
Block Grants
Grants to states with fewer restrictions but criticized for lacking accountability mechanisms
Unfunded Mandates
Federal instructions for state compliance without funding support
Immigration Federalism
States' involvement in immigration policy, causing tension with the federal government
Separation of Powers
Division of governmental responsibilities into branches to prevent one branch from dominating
Common Sense
Thomas Paine's pamphlet advocating independence from Great Britain
Bills of Rights
Outlining fundamental freedoms beyond government control as a check on power
Articles of Confederation
First U.S. constitution with a weak unicameral legislature
Checks and Balances
System preventing one branch from becoming too powerful
Impeachment Process
House of Representatives bringing charges against the president, with the Senate trying the case
Supreme Court's Role in Checks and Balances
The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and can block the efforts of other branches to deal with important national issues, leading to criticism and controversy.
Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
Legislation signed into law by President Obama aiming to provide more Americans with access to affordable healthcare, facing legal challenges and supported by the Supreme Court.
President Trump's Healthcare Priority
President Trump made healthcare a priority after his inauguration in January 2017, indicating the immediacy of this issue in his administration's agenda.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Purpose
The CBO scores the impact of proposed legislation on the budget, providing objective analysis to inform legislative decisions.
Representative Democracy
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf, delegating authority to elected officials to act in the best interest of the populace.
Direct Democracy Instances
Americans exercise direct democracy through New England town meetings, initiatives, and referenda, allowing citizens to directly participate in government decisions.
Affirmative Action Programs Purpose
Affirmative action programs aim to compensate for past discrimination by giving special attention to people from discriminated groups in hiring and admissions.
Electoral College
A body of electors chosen by voters in each state to elect the president and vice president of the United States, established by the Constitution.