Unitary Government Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a Unitary Government?

A form of government where states are completely independent

A government that gives all key powers to the national or central government (correct)

A system where powers are shared between central and local governments

A weak or loose organization of states

What does Confederation refer to?

A government structure that prohibits states from making independent laws

A strong central government with rigid laws

A weak or loose organization of states agreeing to follow a powerful central government (correct)

A form of government without a central authority

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution, including the power to collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and declare war.

What are implied powers?

Powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are denied powers?

Powers the Constitution denies to the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the supremacy clause?

National law supersedes all other laws passed by states. Signup and view all the answers

What does Federal refer to in government structure?

Power is shared by a powerful central government and states or provinces Signup and view all the answers

What is preemption?

The right of a government to seize or appropriate something, such as property. Signup and view all the answers

What is a block grant?

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

What is new federalism?

A federal reduction in social programs and shifting responsibilities to the states. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unitary Government

Centralized authority where all key powers are vested in the national government.

Confederation

Comprises a loose alliance of states with limited central authority.
States have the discretion to follow or ignore the central government's directives.
Historical examples include the Soviet Union and the Confederate States of America (1861-1865).

Enumerated Powers

Specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution.
Includes abilities such as collecting taxes, coining money, regulating both foreign and interstate commerce, and declaring war.

Implied Powers

Not explicitly outlined in the Constitution but derived from enumerated powers.

Denied Powers

Powers that the Constitution prohibits the national government from exercising.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that national law takes precedence over state laws as outlined in Article VI of the Constitution.

Federal Government

A system where power is shared between a central authority and regional governments (states or provinces).
Regional governments often possess significant self-governing powers, exemplified by countries like the United States, Australia, and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Preemption

The legal principle that allows a government to seize property or resources, often overriding state laws or policies.

Block Grant

Federal grants awarded to states or localities with minimal requirements, intended to support wide-ranging programs such as community development and social services.

New Federalism

A policy initiative from the Reagan administration aimed at reducing federal social programs and transferring responsibilities to state governments.

Description

Test your knowledge of unitary government concepts with these flashcards. Learn key definitions and distinctions between a unitary government and confederations. Perfect for students of political science or anyone interested in government structures.