moduloe 5.txt

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.