Federalism Flashcards
Unitary System
system of government where sovereignty is fully vested in the national government, and not states
Confederation
system of government where state governments are sovereign, and the national government can do only what the states permit
Cooperative federalism
described as a marble cake where programs and authority are mixed among national, state, and local governments (current U.S. government)
Denied Powers
small list of items in the U.S. Constitution that states or the Congress cannot perform under any circumstances
Dual Federalism
described as a layer cake where programs and authority are clearly divided between national, state, and local governments (first half of American history)
Enumerated/Expressed/Delegated Powers
specific powers for the federal government that are explicitly granted by the Constitution
Fiscal Federalism
division of powers between federal and state governments that revolves around spending, taxing, and providing grants (common in current U.S. government)
Reserved Powers
items that are not directly addressed by the U.S. Constitution, and are therefore left for the state governments or people
Concurrent Powers
powers that are shared by both the federal and state government
Inherent Powers
Powers that are necessary for the federal government to perform its duties, but are not explicitly stated in the Constitution
Implied Powers
items that are not directly stated for the federal government, but can be implemented using the necessary and proper clause to assist in performing an expressed function
Police Powers
authority granted to states to enact laws and regulations related to public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of citizens
Grants in Aid
-a designated amount of money passed from the central government to a state government, local government, organization, or individual to fund a specific project
Categorical Grants
funds from the central government with strict guidelines on the money can be spent
Conditions of Aid
specific rules and requirements set by the central government that must be met before receiving a grant
Project Grants
Money that is used to fund a specific project
Nulification
doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution
Unfunded Mandates
requirement or regulation that is set by the central government without providing necessary funding or support for compliance
Waiver
request by a state government, local government, organization, or individual to violate a mandate or conditions of aid without any penalty
Block Grants
Funds from the central government that have a lot of flexibility on how the money can be spent
Recall
attempt by citizens to remove a state or local official from office before a term expires
Devolution
the process of shifting power, authority, and flexibility from the central government to the states
Initiative
attempt by citizens to pass a new state or local law without direct participation by the legislative branch
Referendum
attempt by citizens to remove a state or local law that the legislative branch has already passed
