AP Government Chapter 3 Flashcards

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.