Key Concepts of Federalism and Government Powers

Federalism

a system of govt in which two or more units exercise power over the same people and the same territory.

Delegated Powers

powers the Constitution grants or delegates to the national govt.

Expressed Powers

powers directly stated in the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

powers that belong strictly to the states.

Concurrent Powers

powers that both the national govt and the states have.

Preemption

the federal govts ability to take over a state gov't function.

Restraint

an act that limits a state's ability to regulate.

Enabling Act

an act that allows the people of a territory interested in becoming a state to prepare a constitution.

Mandate

a formal order given by a higher authority.

Federal Grant

a sum of money given to a state or local gov't for a specific purpose.

Interstate Compact

a written agreement between two or more states.

Extradite

to return a fugitive who flees across state lines back to the original state.

Sunset Law

a law that requires periodic checks of laws or of gov't agencies to see if they are still needed.

Sunshine Law

a law prohibiting public officials from holding meetings not open to the public.

Public Policy

the stated course of action the gov't takes to address problems or issues.