Chapter 3

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and regional governments (like states).

The national government is responsible for broad issues affecting the entire country, like national defense, economic growth, and international relations.

State governments focus on issues within their specific regions, such as education, healthcare, public safety, and transportation.

Both the national and state governments are elected by the people, and their levels of power are defined by the national constitution.

In a federal system, national and state governments must cooperate and work together to address shared challenges and issues.

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and regional governments. Both levels have independent authority and cannot be abolished by the other.

A formal document that outlines the division of power between the national and regional governments in a federal system. Amendments require broad support from both Congress and the states.

The process of transferring power from a central national government to regional governments. Often used to increase regional autonomy and representation.

A system of government where a single, powerful national government holds the majority of authority. Subnational governments are subordinate and dependent.

A system of government where independent states or regional governments hold the majority of power, with a weak central government. The central government relies on the consent of subnational governments.

The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) grants Congress the authority to make laws deemed "necessary and proper" for carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. This allows the federal government to adapt to changing circumstances and national needs.

The Tenth Amendment safeguards states' rights by stating that any powers not explicitly granted to the federal government, nor prohibited to states, are reserved for the states or the people.

The Supremacy Clause establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land, meaning that state laws conflicting with valid federal laws are invalid.

The Commerce Clause allows Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, granting the federal government power over economic transactions between states and with other nations.

Concurrent powers are shared between the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, borrow money, establish courts, and make and enforce laws.

The clause in the US Constitution that requires states to recognize court rulings, laws, and contracts from other states. For example, a driver's license issued in one state is valid in all others.

The clause in the US Constitution that prohibits states from discriminating against citizens from other states by denying them basic rights such as access to courts, legal protection, property rights, and travel rights.

The practice of the federal government transferring funds to state and local governments to support specific activities and encourage federal policy objectives.

Taxes levied on wages and salaries. The money collected is used to fund Social Security and Medicare.

A tax levied on the sale of goods and services, such as food, clothing, alcohol, and entertainment. It's a significant source of revenue for state governments.

The taxes levied on residential and commercial properties, representing a major source of revenue for local governments.

Funds allocated by higher levels of government (federal or state) to lower levels (state or local) to support specific programs or projects. They are crucial for both state and local governments, especially during economic downturns.

The largest spending categories of the federal government include Social Security, health care and insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, etc.), and defense.

The primary source of revenue for local governments is property tax, followed by federal and state grants, and service charges for services like hospital care, waste management, and public university tuition.

Fuel tax revenue is crucial for financing state transportation projects, but its share in total tax revenue has been declining in many states since 2007.

The principle that states have the power to void federal laws they deem unconstitutional, leading to conflicts between national and state authorities.

States and the national government have separate, clearly defined powers.

The Supreme Court's decision in 1895 that limited the national government's power to regulate businesses, particularly in manufacturing.

The power of Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, giving the national government control over trade and business.

The principle that national laws take precedence over state laws when the two conflict. Established in McCulloch v. Maryland, this principle affirms the supremacy of federal authority.

The idea that Congress can exercise powers beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution, as long as those powers are related to carrying out its enumerated responsibilities. Established in McCulloch v. Maryland, this broadens Congressional power.

The theory that the Constitution gives the national government only those powers specifically listed in the text. Supporters believe in limited federal power and strong state authority.

A concept of federalism where the national government has a broad range of powers and can intervene more actively in state affairs to address national problems. This approach emphasizes centralized power.

The Supreme Court's decision in Lochner v. New York (1897) ruled that state regulation of work hours violated the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause. This was a significant setback for labor rights and worker protections during this era.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed at addressing the Great Depression faced challenges from the Supreme Court. The court initially struck down key New Deal programs, arguing they infringed on state authority. This led to a major clash between federal and state power.

The National Labor Relations Board v. Jones and Laughlin Steel (1937) decision shifted the balance of power, upholding the National Labor Relations Act. This validated federal authority to regulate labor relations and manufacturing under the Commerce Clause.

The era of cooperative federalism witnessed a significant expansion of federal power in areas like social welfare, education, and environmental protection. The New Deal and Great Society programs established federal programs jointly funded and administered by both state and federal authorities.