Federalism Flashcards
Federalism
a “division of powers” between the federal and state government.
Dual system of gov
2 levels, federal and state
Major strength
allows for local action for local concerns and national action for national concerns!
subunits
Local government are “subunits” of the State government
what are the types of Powers
Delegated, reserved and concurrent
supremacy clause
resolves conflicts between the two levels of government by setting up a “ladder of laws”
ladder or laws
United States Constitution
Acts of Congress/National laws
State Constitutions
State Laws
City/County laws (local)
supreme court
acts as the “umpire” of the Supremacy Clause
Makes rulings and final decisions!
The National Government’s obligations to the States
1) Guarantee states a republican form of government: (Representative)
2) Protect states against foreign invasion and domestic violence: (Make war/Keep peace)
(Attack from other countries/terrorism, and riots at home and natural disasters)
3) Respect territorial integrity of states: (Recognize states boundaries)
in what article is based the obligations of the national gov to the states?
article IV
who holds the power to admit new states?
Congress
procedure of admitting a new state
- Territory petitions Congress for admission
- Enabling Act passed- Congress gives the territory permission to set up a state constitution
- Popular vote (people vote)
- Act of Admission- Congress agrees to grant statehood
- President signs into law
Two types of Federalism- in our history
Dual Federalism:
Cooperative Federalism
how the Federal government helps the states:
a. federal grants-in-aid
b. FBI assists state and local police
c. Trains the National Guard for the states
d. Takes a Census for the states
Types of Federal Grants
Categorical grants
Block grants
Project Grants
types of delegated powers
expressed, implied and inherent
expressed delegated power
spelled out in so many words in the Constitution- 27 powers. examples: lay and collect taxes, coin money, and declare war, etc.
implied delegated power
powers reasonably suggested, but not stated in the Constitution, also known as the “necessary and proper clause” or “elastic clause”
-there are thousand of these!