Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a unitary system?
What is a unitary system?
- A system where states have ultimate power
- A form of government where powers are shared
- A political system with a weak central government
- A government that gives all key powers to the national or central government (correct)
What defines a confederation?
What defines a confederation?
- A federal system where all powers are divided
- A government structure that shares power equally
- A system with a strong central authority
- A political system in which a weak central government has limited authority and states have ultimate power (correct)
What are enumerated powers?
What are enumerated powers?
Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution.
What are concurrent powers?
What are concurrent powers?
What are implied powers?
What are implied powers?
What are denied powers?
What are denied powers?
What is the supremacy clause?
What is the supremacy clause?
What is dual federalism?
What is dual federalism?
What is cooperative federalism?
What is cooperative federalism?
What are block grants?
What are block grants?
What is new federalism?
What is new federalism?
What does the tenth amendment state?
What does the tenth amendment state?
What did the sixteenth amendment establish?
What did the sixteenth amendment establish?
What is the seventeenth amendment?
What is the seventeenth amendment?
What is pre-emption?
What is pre-emption?
What are unfunded mandates?
What are unfunded mandates?
Study Notes
Unitary System and Related Concepts
- A unitary system centralizes all key powers in the national or central government.
- Confederation features a weak central government and grants ultimate power to individual states.
Powers Defined in the Constitution
- Enumerated powers are specifically granted to Congress, including taxation, coining money, regulating commerce, and declaring war.
- Concurrent powers are joint powers shared by both the national and state governments.
- Implied powers are those not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but inferred from enumerated powers.
- Denied powers are those explicitly restricted by the Constitution for the national government.
Federalism Types
- The supremacy clause establishes that national law overrides state laws (Article VI).
- Dual federalism, also known as "layer cake federalism," maintains separate responsibilities for state and national governments within defined spheres of power.
- Cooperative federalism involves shared powers and responsibilities between states and the national government, including cost and administration sharing.
Grants and Amendments
- A block grant allows federal funds to be distributed automatically to support broad programs such as community development.
- New federalism refers to the reduction of federal social programs under Reagan, with responsibilities shifted to states.
Constitutional Amendments
- The tenth amendment allocates powers not specified in the Constitution to the states.
- The sixteenth amendment permits Congress to tax incomes.
- The seventeenth amendment, ratified in 1913, allows for the direct election of U.S. senators by voters.
Additional Concepts
- Pre-emption gives the government the authority to seize or appropriate property.
- Unfunded mandates are regulations imposed by the federal government on states without financial support.
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Description
Explore key concepts of the unitary system of government through these flashcards. Each card covers important terms and definitions that help clarify the differences between various political systems, including enumerated powers and confederation. Perfect for students learning about governmental structures.
