AP Government Chapter 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of devolution?

Supreme or ultimate political authority

A type of government that links different groups together

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states (correct)

Money from the national government that states can spend

What are block grants?

Money from the national government that states can spend within broad guidelines determined by Washington.

What does sovereignty mean?

Supreme or ultimate political authority.

What is a unitary system?

Sovereignty is in the hands of the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a confederation system?

Government in which the states are sovereign and the national government does only what the states permit. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a federal system.

Government in which sovereignty is shared between state and national governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a federal regime?

Government in which local units of government have a specially protected existence and can make some final decisions over some governmental activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a federation?

A type of government that links different groups together and derives its power directly from the people. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?

Established that Congress may establish a bank because it was 'necessary and proper' and that the federal bank could not be taxed by the state. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hamilton?

President who believed the national government was the superior and leading force in political affairs. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Jefferson?

President who argued for states' rights as opposed to national supremacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the necessary and proper clause?

Constitutional authorization for Congress to make any law required to carry out its powers. Signup and view all the answers

What does nullification mean?

The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state's opinion, violates the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Define dual federalism.

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres. Signup and view all the answers

What is interstate commerce?

Commerce between two or more states which can be regulated by the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What does intrastate commerce refer to?

Commerce occurring within one state which cannot be regulated by the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What is police power?

State power to enact laws promoting health, safety, and morals. Signup and view all the answers

What is an initiative?

Procedure whereby a certain number of voters may, by petition, propose a law or constitutional amendment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a referendum?

The practice of letting voters accept or reject measures proposed by the legislature. Signup and view all the answers

What does recall mean?

Gives citizens a chance to remove an elected official from office before the person's term ends. Signup and view all the answers

What are grants-in-aid?

Money given by the national government to the states. Signup and view all the answers

What are land grants?

Areas of land given to settlers by the government to fund growth in the west. Signup and view all the answers

What are categorical grants?

Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport. Signup and view all the answers

Define revenue sharing.

Federal sharing of a fixed percentage of its revenue with the states. Signup and view all the answers

What are conditions of aid?

Terms set by the national government that states must meet to receive certain funds. Signup and view all the answers

What are mandates?

Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Concepts in AP Government

Devolution: The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states, allowing for greater state autonomy.
Block Grants: Federal funds provided to states that can be used for broad purposes and come with fewer restrictions compared to categorical grants.
Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory, emphasizing the ultimate political power held by a government entity.
Unitary System: A governance structure where sovereignty resides solely with the national government, resulting in centralized power.
Confederation System: A system where states maintain sovereignty and the national government operates with limited powers granted by the states.
Federal System: A form of government where sovereignty is shared between national and state governments, each having authority in different areas.
Federal Regime: Local governments possess protected existence and can make certain decisions independently from the federal government.
Federation: A type of government uniting various groups or territories with power derived directly from the people.
McCulloch v. Maryland: A landmark Supreme Court case confirming the federal government's authority to establish a bank under the necessary and proper clause, and disallowing state taxation of federal entities.
Hamilton's Perspective: Advocated for a strong national government with broadly defined powers, viewing it as a leading political force.
Jefferson's Perspective: Champion of states’ rights, promoting a balance against national supremacy.
Necessary and Proper Clause: Constitutional authority enabling Congress to enact laws needed to execute its powers effectively.
Nullification: The controversial doctrine allowing states to declare federal laws unconstitutional and void.
Dual Federalism: A model where state and national governments operate within their own spheres of authority, each addressing specific areas of policy.
Interstate Commerce: Trade and commerce that occurs between states, which is subject to federal regulation.
Intrastate Commerce: Economic activities conducted within a single state that fall outside of federal regulatory power.
Police Power: The capacity of states to enact laws for the protection of health, safety, and morals of their citizens.
Initiative: A democratic process enabling voters to propose legislation or constitutional amendments through petition.
Referendum: A method allowing voters to accept or reject proposed legislation enacted by the parliamentary body.
Recall: A political process giving citizens the ability to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.
Grants-in-Aid: Financial assistance from the national government to state governments for various programs and services.
Land Grants: Government-allocated land for settlement purposes and funding of essential infrastructure, including education and transport.
Categorical Grants: Federal funding designated for specific projects or activities, such as infrastructure development.
Revenue Sharing: A fiscal mechanism where the federal government shares a portion of its revenue with state governments.
Conditions of Aid: Requirements established by the federal government that states must meet in order to qualify for federal financial assistance.
Mandates: Federal requirements imposed on states that must be followed regardless of whether federal funds are accepted.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards for key concepts in Chapter 3 of AP Government. You'll learn essential terms such as devolution, block grants, and sovereignty. Test your knowledge and prepare effectively for your AP Government exam!