How power is divided between federal and state government in the United States, and the structure of state government.
30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- Define federalism as a system of government.
Show answer
A system where power is divided between a national government and state/regional governments.- What are enumerated powers?
Show answer
Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.- What are implied powers?
Show answer
Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but derived from enumerated powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause.- What are reserved powers?
Show answer
Powers retained by the states under the Tenth Amendment, not delegated to the federal government.- What are concurrent powers?
Show answer
Powers held by both federal and state governments, such as taxation, borrowing money, and establishing courts.- Define the Commerce Clause.
Show answer
Article I, Section 8 power of Congress to regulate interstate and international commerce, significantly limiting state economic regulation.- What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Show answer
Constitutional provision allowing Congress to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, expanding federal authority.- State the Supremacy Clause.
Show answer
Constitutional provision that federal law is the supreme law of the land and supersedes state law when there is conflict.- What does the Tenth Amendment establish?
Show answer
That powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.- Define dual federalism.
Show answer
A model where federal and state governments are separate and distinct, each sovereign in its own sphere.- Define cooperative federalism.
Show answer
A model emphasizing shared responsibility and collaboration between federal and state governments in policy areas.- What are categorical grants?
Show answer
Federal funds given to states for specific purposes with strict guidelines on how money may be spent.- What are block grants?
Show answer
Federal funds given to states for broad purposes with few restrictions, allowing greater state flexibility.- What is the primary role of a state governor?
Show answer
Chief executive of the state, responsible for implementing state laws, commanding the state militia, and proposing the budget.- How are most state legislatures structured?
Show answer
As bicameral bodies with a Senate and House of Representatives, though a few states have unicameral legislatures.
FlashKeepers