Chapter 3 Flashcards
Nullification
The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the states opinion, violates the constitution
Dual Federalism
Doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states and supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept separate
Police power
State power to enact laws promoting health, safety, and morals
Initiative
Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballet
Referendum
Procedure enabling vote to reject a measure passed by the legislature
Recall
Procedure whereby voters can remove am elected official from office
Grants-in-aid
Money given by the national government to the states
Categorical Grants
Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport
Conditions of aid
Terms set by the national government that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds
Mandates
Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants
Waiver
A decision by an administrative agency granting some other part permission to violate a law or rile that would otherwise apply to it
“Necessary and Proper” Clause
Section of the constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws “necessary and proper” to its duties, and which has permitted Congress to exercise powers not specifically given to it (enumerated) by the Constitution
City
Municipal corporation or municipality
Special-act charter
Applies to a certain city and lists what the city can and cannot do
General-act charter
Applies to a number of cities based on population
Dillion’s Rule
Authorizes a city to exercise powers essential to the accomplishment of enumerated powers
Home rule charter
Reverses Dillion’s rule and allows city government to do anything not prohibited by the state or charter
Ordinance
City laws
Counties
Largest territorial unit between state and city
Sovereignty
Supreme or ultimate political power
Unitary system
Sovereignty in the hands of the national government
Confederation
States are sovereign
Federal system
Sovereignty is shared between the state and national government
Federal regime
Local units of government are protected and can make final decisions over some government activities
Federalism
Authority shared by national and local governments
