Chapter 3: Federalism and Separation of Powers

Question 1

Federalism

Answer 1

The system of government in which a constitution divides power between a central government and regional governments

Question 2

Sovereignty

Answer 2

Supreme and independent political authority

Question 3

Implied Powers

Answer 3

Powers derived from the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution. Such powers aren not specifically expressed but are implied through the expansive interpretation of delegated powers.

Question 4

Reserved Powers

Answer 4

Powers, derived from the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, that are not specifically delegated to the national government or denied to the states; these powers are reserved to the states.

Question 5

Eminent domain

Answer 5

The right of the government to take private property for public use, with reasonable compensation awarded for the property

Question 6

Police Power

Answer 6

The power reserved to the government to regulate the health, safety, and morals of citizens.

Question 7

Concurrent Powers

Answer 7

The authority possessed by both state and national governments, such as the power to levy taxes.

Question 8

Full Fatih and Credit Clause

Answer 8

The provision in Article IV, Section 1, of the Constitution requiring that each state normally honors the public acts and judicial decisions that take place in another state.

Question 9

Privileges and immunities

Answer 9

The provision in Article IV, Section 2, of the Constitution stating that a state cannot discriminate against someone from another state or give its own residents special privileges.

Question 10

Home Rule

Answer 10

The power delegated by the state to a local unit of government to manage its own affairs

Question 11

Dual Federalism

Answer 11

The system of government in which fundamental governmental powers were shared between the federal and state governments, with that states exercising the most important powers.

Question 12

Commerce Clause

Answer 12

The clause found in Article 1, Section *, of the Constitution, which delegates to Congress the power “to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian Tribes.” This clause was interpreted by the Supreme Court to favor national power over the economy.

Question 13

Cooperative Federalism

Answer 13

A type of federalism existing since the New Deal era, in which grants-in-aid have been used strategically to encourage states and localities (without commanding them) to pursue nationally defined goals.

Question 14

Grants-in-aid

Answer 14

A general term for funds given by Congress to state and local governments

Question 15

Categorical grants-in-aid

Answer 15

Funds given by Congress to states and localities and that are earmarked by law for specific categories, such as education or crime prevention.

Question 16

Project Grants

Answer 16

Grant programs in which state and local governments submit proposals to federal agencies and for which funding is provided on a competive

Question 17

Formula grants

Answer 17

Grants-in-aid in which a formula is used to determine the amount of federal funds a state or local government will receive.

Question 18

Unfunded Mandates

Answer 18

National standards or programs imposed on state and local governments by the federal government without accompanying funding or reimbursement

Question 19

Block Grants

Answer 19

Federal funds given to state governments to pay for goods, services, or programs, with relatively few restrictions on how the funds may be spent.

Question 20

States’ rights

Answer 20

The principles that states should oppose increases in the authority of the national government.

Question 21

Legislative Supremacy

Answer 21

The preeminent position assigned to Congress by the Constitution

Question 22

Divided Government

Answer 22

The condition in American government in which the president is controlled by one party while the opposing party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Question 23

Executive Priviledge

Answer 23

The claim that confidential communications between the president and president’s close advisers should not be revealed without the consent of the president

Question 24

writ of habeas corpus

Answer 24

A court order demanding that an individual in custody be brought into court and shown the cause for detention. Habeas Corpus is guaranteed by the Constitution and can be suspended only in cases of rebellion or invasion.