Unit 1 Vocab (B) Flashcards
A system that allows each branch of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) to amend or veto acts of another branch, so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.
Checks and Balances
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances.
Separation of Powers
The specific powers granted to the federal government, particularly Congress, as explicitly listed in the U.S. Constitution. These powers are primarily found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Enumerated/Expressed powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers of the federal government.
Implied Powers
Powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.
Concurrent Powers
A clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8) granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.
Necessary and Proper Clause
The clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8) that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Native American tribes.
Commerce Clause
A clause in the U.S. Constitution (Article VI) stating that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it constitute the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.
Supremacy Clause
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent, more regional authorities.
Federalism
State governments and national government each remain supreme within their own spheres; Powers and policy assignments of the layers of government were distinct.
Dual (“Layer Cake”) Federalism
Mingling of responsibilities between the state and national government; Sharing powers and policy assignments.
Cooperative (“Marble Cake”) Federalism
Federal grants given more or less automatically to states or communities to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services.
Block Grants
Federal grants that can be used only for specific purposes or categories of state and local spending. They come with strings attached, such as non-discrimination provisions.
Categorical Grants
Orders or requirements imposed by the federal government on lower levels of government (state or local) to enforce certain policies.
Mandates
The distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments to assist in paying for local services.
Revenue Sharing
