Unit Test 1-3

Question 1

Unitary system

Answer 1

A centralized governmental system where local governments exercise the powers given to them by the central government

Question 2

Confederal system

Answer 2

A system made up of a league of independent states each having sovereign powers

Question 3

Police power

Answer 3

The authority to legislate for the protection of the health morals safety and welfare of the people

Question 4

Concurrent powers

Answer 4

Powers shared by the national and state governments

Question 5

Supremacy clause

Answer 5

The constitutional provision that makes the constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws

Question 6

Horizontal control

Answer 6

Check against expansion of government powers that rely on checks and balances between branches of government

Question 7

Vertical control

Answer 7

A check against the accumulation of too much power in any one level of government

Question 8

Privileges/immunities

Answer 8

Special rights and exceptions provided by law

Question 9

Extradite

Answer 9

To surrender an accused or convicted criminal to the state they fled from

Question 10

Interstate compacts

Answer 10

Agreement between two or more states on minor matters

Question 11

Commerce clause

Answer 11

The section of constitution in which congress is given the power to regulate trade among the states with foreign countries

Question 12

Dual federalism

Answer 12

A system in which the states and the national government each remain supreme within its own sphere. The doctrine looks on nation and state as coequal sovereign powers. Neither state or government should interfere in eachothers sphere

Question 13

Cooperative federalism

Answer 13

The theory of national government and states cooperating in solving problems

Question 14

Categorical grants

Answer 14

Federal grants to states or local governments for specific programs or projects

Question 15

Block grants

Answer 15

Federal programs that provide funds to state and local governments for general functioning areas such as criminal justice or mental health programs

Question 16

Federal mandates

Answer 16

Requirements in federal legislation that force states and municipalities to comply with certain rules

Question 17

Devolution

Answer 17

The transfer of powers from a national or central government to a state or local government

Question 18

New judicial federalism

Answer 18

The increased reliance of state courts of last resort on state constitutions rather than on the federal constitution for the protection of individual rights

Question 19

Representative assembly

Answer 19

A legislature composed of individuals who represent the population

Question 20

Natural rights

Answer 20

Rights held to be inherent in natural law, not dependent on governments. Started by john Locke with rights to life liberty and property. Asserted in Declaration of Independence

Question 21

Social contract

Answer 21

A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules

Question 22

Unicameral legislatures

Answer 22

A legislature with only one a posing legislative chamber. Only Nebraska has this

Question 23

Confederation

Answer 23

A political system in which states or regional governments retain ultimate authority except for those powers they expressly delights for a central government

Question 24

States

Answer 24

A group of people occupying a specific area and organized under one government

Question 25

Federalism

Answer 25

A system of governing where power is divided between a written constitution and regional governments