Constitutional Underpinnings Flashcards
Bicameral legislature
Two House Legislature
Block Grant
money granted by the federal government to the states for a broad purpose ( e.g., transportation) rather than for
a narrow purpose (e.g., school lunch program).
Categorical Grant
money granted by the federal government to the states for a narrow purpose ( e.g., school lunch program)
rather than for a broad purpose (e.g., transportation).
Checks and Balances
system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches, e.g.,
presidential veto of a congressional law.
Commerce Clause
gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and among Indian tribes. Granted through Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution
Concurrent Powers
those held by both Congress and the states, e.g., establishing law enforcement agencies
Confederation
system in which sovereign states are only loosely tied to a central government, e.g., Articles of Confederation.
Direct Democracy
system in which the people rule themselves.
Elastic Clause
states that Congress can exercise those powers that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out the enumerated powers, e.g., establishment of the first Bank of the United States.
Enumerated Powers
those that are specifically granted to Congress in Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution, e.g., the power to tax. Also known as expressed powers.
Elite Theory
theory that upper class elites exercise great influence over public policy.
Factions
term used by Madison to denote what we now call interest groups.
Federalism
constitutional sharing of power between a central government and state governments
Dual Federalism
system in which the national government and state governments are coequal, with each being dominant within its respective sphere.
Cooperative Federalism
system in which both federal government and state governments cooperate in solving problems.
New Federalism
system in which the national government restores greater authority back to the states.
Federalist Papers
group of 85 essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay for the purpose of persuading the people of New York to adopt the Constitution.
Formal Amendment
a change in the actual wording of the Constitution. Proposed by Congress or national convention, and ratified by the states.
Implied Powers
those that are “necessary and proper” to carry out Congress’ enumerated powers, and are granted to Congress through the elastic clause.
Indirect Democracy
system in which the people are rule by their representatives. known as representative democracy
Inherent Powers
foreign policy powers (acquiring territory) held by the national government
Informal Amendment
a change in the meaning, but not the wording, of the Constitution, through a court decisions
Judicial Review
power of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and actions. Established by Marbury v. Madison
Mandates
requirements imposed by the national government upon the states. Some are unfunded mandates, are imposed by the national government, but lack funding.
Marbury v. Madison
1803: established the power of judicial review
McCulloch v. Maryland
1819: established principle of national supremacy and validity of implied powers.
Popular Sovereignty
principle in which ultimate political authority rests with the people.
Reserved Powers
powers held by the states through the 10th Amendment. Any power not granted to the US government is “reserved” for the states.
Separation of Powers
principle in which the powers of government are separated among three branches: legislative, executive, judicial.
Shay’s Rebellion
1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and foreclosure that was a factor in the calling of the Constitutional Convention.
Unicameral Legislature
one-house legislature
