Unit 2 Vocabulary: American Federalism

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Questions and Answers

What are concurrent powers?

Powers that only the state governments can exercise.

Powers that are temporary in nature.

Powers that the constitution gives to both the national and state governments. (correct)

Powers that are exclusive to the national government.

What is devolution?

The effort to slow the growth of the federal government.

What is federalism?

When power is distributed between a central government and subdivisional governments (states).

What does fiscal federalism refer to?

Different grant programs that complicate the differentiation of the functions of various levels of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is dual federalism also known as?

Layer cake federalism. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes cooperative federalism?

A system of intergovernmental relations and cooperation among various levels of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is competitive federalism?

The view that the national government, 50 states, and local governments compete with each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unitary system?

A system that concentrates power in a central government. Signup and view all the answers

What are express powers?

Powers specifically granted to one of the branches of the national government by the constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers?

Powers inferred that allow Congress to carry out its functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the necessary and proper clause?

A clause that grants Congress the right to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out all powers vested in the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What does the commerce clause entail?

Powers that the constitution gives to both the national and state governments regarding commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the full faith and credit clause?

A requirement for each state to recognize the civil judgments and public acts of other states. Signup and view all the answers

What is national supremacy?

The principle that when conflicts occur between national and state actions, federal actions prevail. Signup and view all the answers

What is preemption?

The right of a federal law/regulation to preclude enforcement of a state or local law. Signup and view all the answers

What are categorical grants?

Federal funds appropriated for a specific purpose with federal supervision. Signup and view all the answers

What are block grants?

Broad state grants for prescribed activities that are much more flexible. Signup and view all the answers

What are cross-cutting requirements?

Conditions established by federal grants that extend to all activities supported by federal funds. Signup and view all the answers

What are crossover sanctions?

Sanctions that permit the use of federal money in one program to influence state and local policy in another. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concurrent Powers & American Federalism Vocabulary

Concurrent Powers: Constitutional powers shared by national and state governments, including the ability to levy taxes.
Devolution: Movement aimed at reducing the scale and scope of the federal government's powers.
Federalism: Political system where power is divided between a central governing authority and regional entities, such as states.
Fiscal Federalism: The complex intergovernmental relations created by various grant programs that blur the lines of governmental functions.
Dual Federalism (Layer Cake Federalism): Concept that the national government has a limited scope of powers, with states retaining their own sovereign powers, operating in separate spheres.
Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake Federalism): Emphasizes collaboration between different levels of government, recognizing overlapping responsibilities and shared functions.
Competitive Federalism (New Federalism): Perspective that sees national, state, and local governments as competing entities, aiming to attract resources and influence policy.
Unitary System: Governmental framework where primary power resides with a central authority, limiting regional autonomy.
Express Powers: Powers explicitly granted to a branch of the national government by the Constitution.
Implied Powers: Powers not explicitly defined but inferred, allowing Congress to execute its functions.
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution, enabling Congress to enact laws deemed essential for executing its enumerated powers.
Commerce Clause: Grants power to Congress to regulate commerce among states and with foreign nations.
Full Faith and Credit Clause: Article 4, Section 1, mandates states recognize valid public acts, records, and proceedings from other states.
National Supremacy: Principle stating federal law will take precedence over state or local laws when conflicts arise.
Preemption: Authority of federal law to invalidate state or local laws that conflict with it.
Categorical Grants: Federal funds allocated by Congress for specific projects or purposes, often accompanied by stipulations for how the money is to be spent.
Block Grants: Broad federal funding provided to states, offering more flexibility in spending for designated areas or programs.
Cross-Cutting Requirements: Conditions that apply to all activities funded by federal grants, regardless of the specific program.
Crossover Sanctions: Mechanism allowing federal funds from one program to influence state and local policy in other areas.

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Dive into key terms related to American federalism with this vocabulary quiz. Explore concepts such as concurrent powers, devolution, and the framework of federalism. Perfect for mastering the terminology of Unit 2.