Federalism/Congress Flashcards
Baker v Carr
*Federal courts can hear cases dealing with redistricting
* One person-one vote
*Districts must be productive
*Equal Protection Clause-14th Amendment
Shaw v Reno
- The court ruled that redistricting based on race was unconstitutional under the equal protection clause
- 14th Amendment
Muccullough v Maryland
- Court held that “Necessary and Proper” Clause gave congress the power to establish a national bank.
- The court also held that a site cannot tax the federal government under the Supremacy Clause.
US v Lopez
- Court Ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was unconstitutional because it dealt with possession of a firearm.
- Limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause
Obergfell v Hodges
- Court ruled that states must allow same-sex couples to marry and recognize same-sex marriages that took place out of state.
- 14th amendment
Categorical v block grants
Categorical grants are more specific, while block grants are broader and more flexible.
Differences between the House and the Senate
House:
*Members from each state is based on population size
* Term length is 2 years
* Age of 25 yrs old
*7 years citizen of US
*Officers: speaker and the rest of the officers
* Propose the role of impeachment
Senate:
- Members from each state is 2
*Term length is 6 years - Age of 30 yrs or older
*9 years citizen
*Officers: President Pro-tempo and vice president - To try all on the role of impeachment
Delegated powers/implied powers vs reserved powers
*Implied powers: Powers of the government that are not explicitly stated in the constitution but are suggested to be applicable in some or all cases.
*Reserved powers: The specific powers of the United States government that are explicitly stated in the constitution.
Leadership of the House and Senate
Senate:
*Vice President
*President Pro Tempore
*Secretary of the Senate
*Chaplain
House:
*Speaker of the House
* Majority Leader
*Minority Leader
*Party Whips
Necessary and Proper Clause
A clause in the United States Constitution that gives congress the power to create laws that are needed to carry out other powers of the federal government
Supremacy Clause
States must do whatever the national government wants it to do.
Commerce Clause
The exchange of goods and services
Standing Committee/Select Committee/Conference Committee
Standing Committee:
- A permanent committee in a government that handles specific policy areas.
Select Committee:
*Are temporary committees created with a timeline to complete a specific task, like Investigating government activity,
Conference Committee:
- Is a temporary ad hoc panel composed of the house and senate conferees formed for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers.
Federalism
A political system where local government units can make final decisions regarding some governmental activities and whose existence is protected.
10th Amendment
The US Constitution states that powers not specifically delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.
16th Amendment
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
17th Amendment
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.
Fillibuster
A loosely defined term for action designed to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill, resolution, amendment, or other debatable question.
Logrolling
The process by which politicians trade support for one issue or piece of legislation in exchange for another politician’s support, especially by means of legislative votes (Holcombe 2006)
Gerrymander
Manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.
