Chapter 3 - Federalism Flashcards
What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of government that divides power between two levels: the national and subnational governments, each with the authority to act directly on the people.
What is the difference between federal systems and unitary systems?
Federal systems divide power between national and subnational levels, while unitary systems concentrate power in the national government.
What is dual federalism?
Dual federalism is a system where the federal and state governments maintain distinct and separate spheres of authority, often described as a “layer cake” model.
What is cooperative federalism?
Cooperative federalism is a model where federal, state, and local governments work together to solve common problems, often called a “marble cake” model.
What is the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress had implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states could not tax federal institutions, strengthening federal authority.
What is the “necessary and proper clause”?
It is a clause in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, granting Congress the power to pass laws required to carry out its enumerated powers.
What is new federalism?
New federalism seeks to return power to the states through decentralization, emphasizing administrative efficiency and reduced federal oversight.
What are block grants?
Block grants are federal funds provided to states with fewer restrictions on how the money is spent, giving states greater flexibility.
What are categorical grants?
Categorical grants are federal funds provided for a specific purpose, often with strict guidelines on their use.
What is the full faith and credit clause?
It is a provision in Article IV, Section 1, of the Constitution, requiring states to honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.
What are the advantages of federalism?
Federalism encourages political participation, promotes policy innovation by states, and accommodates diversity across regions.
What are the disadvantages of federalism?
Federalism can lead to a race to the bottom, create disparities between states, and complicate national efforts to address problems uniformly.
What is the significance of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?
The Supreme Court interpreted the Commerce Clause broadly, giving Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.
What is an unfunded mandate?
It is a federal requirement that states or local governments perform certain actions without being provided funding to cover the costs.
