Chapter 3 Vocab Flashcards
Federalism
The division of power across the state, local, and national levels of government.
Sovereign Power
The supreme power of an independent state to regulate its internal affairs without foreign interference.
Police Powers
The power to enforce laws and provide for public safety.
Concurrent Powers
Responsibilities that are shared across state, local, and national levels of government.
Unitary Government
A system in which the national, centralized government holds ultimate authority, the most common form of government in the world.
Confederal Government
A form of government in which the states hold power over a limited national government.
Full faith and credit clause
Requires that states honor the laws of other states.
Privileges and Immunities Clause
A Clause that demands states treat residents of other states with the same rights as residents of their own.
States’ Rights
The idea that states are entitled to a certain amount of self-government.
Dual Federalism
A form of federalism in which the state and national governments are seen as separate entities performing different tasks.
Cooperative Federalism
A form of federalism in which levels of government work together on shared issues.
Fiscal Federalism
A form of federalism in which federal funds are allocated to the lower levels of government through transfer payments or grants.
Categorical Grant
Federal funds awarded in order to pay for a specific project.
Block Grant
Funds awarded with less restrictions as to what they can be spent on.
Unfunded Mandates
Requirements for changes that states must make in order to continue to receive federal funding.
