Federalism - U.S. History Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is federalism?

A system with power concentrated in a national government

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments (correct)

A governmental structure with no state powers

A form of government where states have supremacy over the national government

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Article VI of the Constitution that establishes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties as supreme over state laws.

What are Enumerated Powers?

Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution, such as the power to collect taxes and declare war.

What was the significance of Gibbons v. Ogden?

It broadened Congress' power under the interstate commerce clause by defining 'commerce' to include all types of economic activity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Privileges and Immunities Clause state?

It guarantees citizens of each state the privileges of citizens of other states. Signup and view all the answers

What is Fiscal Federalism?

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system. Signup and view all the answers

What are Formula Grants?

Grants-in-aid determined by a formula to allocate federal funds. Signup and view all the answers

What are Unfunded Mandates?

Actions imposed by the federal or state government without accompanying funding. Signup and view all the answers

What are Funded Mandates?

Regulations passed by Congress that come with federal funds to support them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Unitary Government?

A centralized government where all powers belong to a single central agency. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Tenth Amendment state?

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states. Signup and view all the answers

What are Implied Powers?

Powers derived from the enumerated powers and necessary and proper clause. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

It requires each state to recognize civil judgments and public records of other states. Signup and view all the answers

What is Duel Federalism?

A constitutional theory that defines distinct areas of authority for national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Categorical Grant?

Federal grants for specific purposes defined by law. Signup and view all the answers

What are Block Grants?

Federal grants given automatically to states or communities for broad programs. Signup and view all the answers

What are Intergovernmental Relations?

The set of interactions between national, state, and local governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Elastic Clause?

It allows Congress to make all laws deemed necessary and proper to carry out its powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Extradition?

A legal process for surrendering an alleged criminal from one state to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cooperative Federalism?

A system where powers and policy assignments are shared between states and the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?

It established key concepts of implied powers and the supremacy of the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What are Project Grants?

Federal categorical grants awarded for specific purposes based on application merits. Signup and view all the answers

What is Devolution?

The delegation of authority from a central government to lower political levels. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federalism Overview

Federalism divides power between national and state governments, ensuring a balance of authority.
The Supremacy Clause in Article VI establishes that national laws and treaties take precedence over state laws.

Key Constitutional Concepts

Enumerated Powers granted to Congress include taxation, coinage, and declaring war, explicitly listed in the Constitution.
Implied Powers arise from the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing Congress to act beyond enumerated powers when necessary.
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not assigned to the federal government for the states.

Important Legal Cases

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) expanded the interpretation of the Commerce Clause, including all economic activities under federal regulation.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) affirmed the supremacy of the national government and the concept of implied powers.

Types of Grants and Mandates

Fiscal Federalism refers to how the national government interacts with state and local governments via spending and grants.
Formula Grants provide federal funds to states based on a pre-established formula.
Categorical Grants are earmarked for specific purposes defined by law.
Block Grants offer states broad funding with fewer restrictions for community development and social services.
Unfunded Mandates impose requirements on lower levels of government without accompanying financial support.
Funded Mandates provide federal backing for state regulations.

Relationships Between Government Levels

Intergovernmental Relations refer to interactions among national, state, and local governments.
Cooperative Federalism involves shared powers and responsibilities between various levels of government, promoting collaboration.

Constitutional Clauses and Provisions

The Privileges and Immunities Clause ensures citizens have equal privileges across states.
The Full Faith and Credit Clause mandates states recognize each other’s laws and court judgments.
The Elastic Clause allows Congress to make necessary laws to execute its powers.

Concepts of Government Structure

A Unitary Government centralizes power within a single authority, contrasting with federalism.
Dual Federalism views national and state governments as having distinct, separate powers.
Devolution refers to the transfer of authority from central to lower levels of government.

Legal Processes

Extradition is the procedure for returning alleged criminals to the state where a crime was committed.

Conclusion

Understanding federalism is crucial for grasping the dynamics of power distribution and the complex interactions within the U.S. government system.

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Description

Test your knowledge of federalism in U.S. history with these informative flashcards. Learn key terms such as Supremacy Clause and Enumerated Powers, which are essential for understanding the division of power in government. Perfect for students looking to deepen their grasp of constitutional principles.