Key Concepts of Powers and Legal Cases in Government

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to government powers and important legal cases discussed in the lecture.

Inherent Powers

Powers that automatically belong to the government of every sovereign state, mainly concerning interactions with foreign governments.

Delegated Powers

Powers connected to the constitution, which may be expressed (listed) or implied (not listed but needed to exercise expressed powers).

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the constitution but necessary to exercise enumerated powers, authorized by the necessary and proper clause.

Expressed Powers

Powers that are specifically listed in the constitution.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the constitution.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause that authorizes implied powers, allowing the government to use means not specifically listed in the constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers of state governments not listed in the constitution, acknowledged by the tenth amendment.

Police Power

The power of a state to enact laws to promote public health, safety, morality, peace, and order.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both national and state governments, such as the power to collect taxes.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes federal law as supreme over state laws in case of conflict; creates a hierarchy of legal authority.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires each state to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prohibits unreasonable discrimination against citizens of other states.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Case confirming the national government's ability to charter a bank and affirming the existence of implied powers.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Case confirming the national government's authority to license steamships under interstate commerce.

Wickard v. Filburn

Case that expanded interstate commerce power to activities not directly related to buying or selling if they have substantial economic effects.

United States v. Lopez

Case that restricted interstate commerce power to activities closely related to actual commerce.

Printz v. United States

Case reinforcing that the federal government cannot compel state governments to enforce federal laws.