American Democracy Now Chapter 3 Vocabulary

block grant

a grant-in-aid for a broadly defined policy area, whose funding amount is typically based on a formula

categorical formula grant

a grant-in-aid for a narrowly defined purpose, whose dollar value is based on a formula

categorical project grant

a grant-in-aid for a narrowly defined purpose for which governments compete with each other by proposing specific projects

centralized federalism

intergovernmental relations in which the national government imposes its policy preferences on state and local governments

concurrent powers

basic governing functions that are exercised by the national and state governments independently, and at the same time, including the power to make policy, raise revenue, implement policies, and establish courts

confederal system

a governmental structure in which several independent sovereign states agree to cooperate on specified policy matters by creating a central governing body; each sovereign state retains ultimate authority over other governmental matters within its borders, so the central governing body is not a sovereign government

conflicted federalism

intergovernmental relations in which elements of dual federalism, cooperative federalism, and centralized federalism are evident in the domestic policies implemented by state and local governments

cooperative federalism

The relationship between the national and state governments whereby the two levels of government work together to address domestic matters reserved to the states, driven by the policy priorities of the states.

devolution

The process whereby the national government returns policy responsibilities to state and/or local governments.

dual federalism

the initial model of national and state relations in which the national government takes care of its enumerated powers while the state governments independently take care of their reserved powers

enumerated powers

powers of the national government that are listed in the Constitution.

extradition

The return of a person accused of a crime to the state in which the crime was committed upon the request of that state's governor.

federal system

a governmental structure with two levels of government in which each level has sovereignty over different policy matters and geographic areas; a system of government with dual sovereignty

fiscal federalism

the relationship between the national government and state and local governments whereby the national government provides grant money to state and local governments

full faith and credit clause

The constitutional clause that requires states to comply with and uphold the public acts, records, and judicial decisions of other states.

grants-in-aid (intergovernmental transfers)

transfer of money from one government to another government (or from a government to a nonprofit organization, for-profit organization, or individual) that does not need to be paid back.

horizontal federalism

The state-to-state relationships created by the U.S. Constitution.

implied powers

powers of the national government that are not enumerated in the Constitution but that Congress claims are necessary and proper for the national government to fulfill its enumerated powers in accordance with the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution.

intergovernmental lobbying

Efforts by groups representing state and local governments to influence national domestic policy.

intergovernmental relations (IGR)

The collaborative efforts of two or more levels of government working to serve the public.

interstate compacts

Agreements between states that Congress has the authority to review and reject.

judicial federalism

state courts' use of their state constitutions to determine citizens' rights, particularly when state constitutions guarantee greater protections than does the US Constitution

mandates

Clauses in legislation that direct state and local governments to comply with national legislation and national standards.

matching funds requirement

a grant requirement that obligates the government receiving the grant to spend some of its own money to match a specified percentage of the grant money provided

McCulloch v. Maryland

established that the necessary and proper clause justifies broad understandings of enumerated powers.

necessary and proper clause (elastic clause)

A clause in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to do whatever it deems necessary and constitutional to meet its enumerated obligations; the basis for the implied powers.

police powers

The states' reserved powers to protect the health, safety, lives, and properties of residents in a state.

privileges and immunities clause

The Constitution's requirement that a state extend to other states' citizens the privileges and immunities it provides for its own citizens.

preemption

The constitutionally based principle that allows a national law to supersede state or local laws.

reserved powers

The matters referred to in the Tenth Amendment over which states retain sovereignty.

supreme law of the land

The Constitution's description of its own authority, meaning that all laws made by governments within the United States must be in compliance with the Constitution.

unitary system

A governmental structure in which one central government is the sovereign government and it creates other, regional governments to which it delegates responsibilities; however, the central government retains ultimate authority (sovereignty)