01. Key Terms - Constitution & Federalism Flashcards
Each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches (e.g. The Senate can approve or reject the president’s nominees to the Supreme Court)
Checks and balances
This is where all the power is invested in a central government
Unitary system
Power is divided by a written constitution between a central government and regional governments.
Because of this, two or more levels of government have formal authority over the same geographic area and people
Federalism
Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution
Expressed powers (enumerated powers)
Powers of the federal government that go beyond those enumerated in the Constitution; these powers are derived from the elastic or necessary and proper clause
Implied powers
Powers not specifically granted to the national government or powers not denied to the states; held by the states through the 10th Amendment
Reserved powers
A fundamental democratic principle requiring that the majority’s view be respected, even though the Constitution originally had some provisions to limit this (electoral college, life term for Supreme Court justices, and having state legislators select senators)
Majority rule
Situations in which the national and state governments work together to complete projects
Cooperative federalism (fiscal federalism)
Funds provided for a specific and clearly defined purpose
Categorical grant
Funds granted to the states for a broadly defined purpose.
Since these funds shift resources from the federal government to the states, they contribute to the growing number of state and local government employees
Block grant
Rules telling states what they must do to follow federal guidelines.
When these ________ are not paid for, they require state and local governments to provide services or follow regulations without the provision of funds
Mandates
A movement to transfer the responsibilities of governing from the federal government to the state and local governments
Devolution
