Chapter 3 - Federalism Flashcards
“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
Nullification
The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution
Dual federalism
Doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states are 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 ballot
Referendum
Procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature
Recall
Procedure whereby voters can remove an 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 just 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 administrative agency granting some other part permission to violate law or rule that would otherwise apply to it
Federalism
Government authority shared by national and local governments
City
Municipal corporation
Special - act charter
Applies to a certain city and lists what that city can and cannot do
General - act charter
Applies to a number of cities that fall within a certain classification usually based on city population
Dillion’s rule
authorizes a municipality to exercise only those powers expressly given, implied by, or essential to the accomplishment of its enumerated powers
Home-rule charter
Allows a city government to do anything not prohibited by the charter or state law
Ordinances
City laws
Counties
Largest territorial units between a state and a city or town
Sovereignty
Supreme or ultimate political authority
Unitary system
One in which sovereignty is wholly in the hands of the national government, so that the states and localities are dependent on its will
Confederation or confederal system
One in which states are sovereign and the national government is allowed to do only that which the states permit
Federal system
One in which sovereignty is,shared, so that I some matters the national government is supreme and in other matters the states are supreme
Federal regime
One in which local units of government have a specially protected existence and can make so,e final decisions over some governmental activities
