Ch. 2 Flashcards
Learn and understand all of the terms.
Americans with Disabilities Act
made public buildings and public transportation be accessible to disabled people. ex: wheelchair entrances/exits, handicap parking spots
Block Grants
Offer large sums of money to the states with no strings attached. Helps the states pay for overarching programs, like healthcare.
Categorical grants
Money grants given to the states by the federal gov. with the condition that they have to follow the congressional guidelines. Categorical grants can only be used for specific purposes.
Clean Air Act
established national standards for states dealing with urban smog, acid rain, and toxic pollutants; sought to benefit the health of those who worked in private industries
Commerce Clause
Congress has the power to regulate trade with foreign nations and among the several states with Indian tribes. The Commerce Clause also sets the limit that the federal government can interfere with trading/economic activity.
Compact Theory
the original 13 states had jurisdiction over the national governments actions; they were the final judges. (was used against the Alien and Sedition Acts)
Concurrent Powers
powers given both to the federal and state governments. Both the states and the federal government can collect taxes, define crimes, run court systems and improve lands.
Conditions of aid
the congressional guidelines that the states must follow when they receive a categorical grant
Cooperative Federalsim
system of government where powers and policy assignments are shared between the federal and state governments. Allows for costs, administrations, and decisions to be made together.
Delegated Powers
powers given to the federal government by the Constitution. includes the job descriptions of the President and the courts.
Devolution
the transfer of some federal duties/responsibilities back to the state governments. (Helped balance the power when the people believed that the federal gov. became too powerful)
Dual Federalism
the federal gov. reigns supreme over their sphere and the state governments reigns supreme over their sphere. The federal gov. cannot interfere with the state’s laws because their power exists only in their sphere.
Extradition
the transfer of runaway criminals back to their original state. Helps with prosecution/ punishing criminals and cross-border crimes
Federal Income tax
taxes paid out to the federal gov. by anyone who earns an income; are used to support gov. programs
Federalism
the healthy and balanced sharing of power between the federal and state governments
Fiscal Federalism
the pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system
full faith and credit clause
policy that each state must accept the rules and judicial proceedings of every other state; helps establish respect and courtesy between states
Grants in aid
when the federal gov. grants financial aid to the states to help them pay for their programs and basic needs
Implied Powers
powers that are not listed out in the Constitution, but are implied
Mandates
demands on states to carry out certain policies as a condition of receiving grant money.
Marble Cake Federalism
is a model of intergovernmental (federal and state governments) relations that define US federalism in terms of shared responsibilities and joint action
McCulloch v. Maryland
Supreme Court ruled that Congress has implied powers under the necessary and proper clause. Also decided that a 2nd national bank could be created
New Federalism
turned over some of the federal government programs’ powers and responsibilities to the states, as well as reduced the federal gov.’s role in domestic affairs
No Child Left Behind Act
required states to apply for federal funding for their school programs, so they could administer standardized tests to measure school achievement.
Nullification
state’s right to void any federal law if they believe it violates the Constitution
Police Powers
powers that states have to enforce laws regarding health, safety, and morals ex. speed limits and restrictions on smoking
Privileges and Immunities Clause
prevents states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens on matters of fundamental or essential rights and activities; gives anyone who is new to the state the same rights and privileges as everyone else who already lives there
Reserved Powers
powers reserved for the people
Revenue Sharing
when federal income tax is distributed/shared to the states to spend on gov. purposes; promotes employment, output, income, and private expenditure
Selective Exclusiveness
legal doctrine stating that when commerce becomes an issue at a national level, only Congress can regulate it
Strict Constructionist
people who believe that the Constitution should be strictly followed; if it is not specifically stated in the Constitution, then it is not allowed. (Thomas Jefferson)
Strings
obligations a state must comply to in order to receive a grant
10th Amendment
declares that the states have power over schools, safety, health and marriage
Unitary Government
form of gov. where only one single agency rules. The states and the people do not have any authority in their gov. benefit: decisions can be made quicker
United States v. Lopez Case
declared that school zones should be gun-free
Whiskey Rebellion
George Washington imposed taxes to help pay off war debts. Farmers who grew grain to make whiskey were enraged because they could not pay the taxes and rebelled. George Washington called upon the militia to settle them down and it proved to everyone that the federal government could make people follow the law.
