Federalism Definitions Flashcards
System in which power is divided between national and state or local governments.
Federalism
Powers written into the Constitution that have been given to the national government.
Enumerated/Expressed Powers
Powers given to the state governments alone.
Reserved Powers
Powers shared by both the national and state governments.
Concurrent Powers
Powers given to the federal government that have been reasonably inferred from the Constitution.
Implied Powers
Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws essential to carrying out its expressed duties. This provision allows the national government to carry out implied powers.
“Necessary and proper” clause
The doctrine that a state can void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution.
Nullification
Constitutional provision that gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate and foreign trade.
Commerce Clause
Ruling that declared the national government’s power under the commerce clause does not permit it to regulate matters not directly related to interstate commerce; in this case, banning firearms in a school zone.
United States v. Lopez
Ruling that declared the federal government had the power to establish a national bank under the “necessary and proper” clause.
McCulloch v. Maryland
System in which power is centralized in one body. State or regional governments derive authority from the central government.
Unitary System
System in which power is held by a loose union of independent states. The central government is weak in relation to the power of the states.
Confederal/Confederate System
Process that permits voters to put state legislative measures directly on the ballot.
Initiative
Procedure that allows voters to reject a measure passed by the state legislature.
Referendum
Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.
Recall
The distribution of a percentage of federal tax income to state and local governments.
Federal Revenue Sharing
Federal grants given to states for specific purposes, often with strings attached, such as building an airport or a highway.
Categorical grants
Federal grants given to states for broader purposes, such as healthcare or education.
Block grants
Strings attached by the national government that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds.
Conditions of aid
Terms set by the national government that states are required to meet whether or not they accept federal grants.
Mandates
This constitutional provision provides a guarantee of citizenship, as well as equal protection and due process, which have been the sources of incorporation for key protections in the Bill of Rights.
14th Amendment
Provision that states all powers not given to the federal government in the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states.
10th Amendment
