bicameral legislature
two-house legislature
block grant *
money granted by the federal government to the states for a broad purpose (ex. transportation) rather than for a narrow purpose (school lunch program)
categorical grant *
money granted by the federal government to the states for a narrow purpose (ex. school lunch program) rather than a broad purpose (transformation)
centralists
those who favor greater national authority rather than states
checks and balances *
system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches, (ex. presidential veto of a congressional law)
commerce clause *
gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and among Indian tribes (granted through article 1 section 8 of the Constitution)
concurrent powers
those held by both Congress and the states ( establishing law enforcement agencies)
confederation
system in which sovereign states are loosely tied to a central government (the US under the Articles of Confederation)
decentralists
those who favor greater state authority rather than national authority
direct democracy
system in which the people rule themselves
elastic clause *
states that Congress can exercise those powers that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out the enumerated powers (establishment of the first Bank of the United States)
enumerated powers
those that are specifically granted to Congress in Article 1 section 8 of the Constitution (the power to tax) * this is also known as expressed power*
federalism *
constitutional sharing of power between a central government and state governments (there are three types: dual federalism, cooperative federalism, and new federalism)
dual federalism
system in which the national government and state governments are coequal, with each being dominant within its respective sphere
cooperative federalism *
system in which both federal government and state governments cooperate in solving problems
new federalism
system in which national government restores greater authority back to the states
federalist papers *
group of 85 essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay for the purpose of persuading the people of New York to adopt the Constitution
formal amendment
a change in the actual wording of the Constitution. Proposed by Congress or national convention, and ratified by the states
implied powers
those that are “necessary and proper” to carry out Congress’ enumerated powers, and are granted to Congress through the elastic clause
indirect democracy
system in which the people are ruled by their representatives. Also known as representative democracy, or republic
inherent powers
foreign policy powers (ex. acquiring territory) held by the national government by virtue of its being a national government
judicial review
power of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and government actions. Established by Marbury v. Madison, 1803
mandates *
requirements imposed by the national government upon the states. Some are unfunded mandates ( they are imposed by the national government, but lack funding)
Marbury v. Madison
1803: established the power of judicial review
McCulloch v. Maryland
1819: established principle of national supremacy and validity of implied powers
police powers
powers of the states to protect the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public
popular sovereignty
principle in which ultimate political authority rests with the people
reserved powers *
powers held by the states through the 10th Amendment. Any power not granted to the US government is “reserved” for the states
separation of powers *
principle in which the powers of government are separated among three branches (legislative, executive, judicial)
Shays’ Rebellion
1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and foreclosure that was a factor in calling of the Constitutional Convention
supermajority
a majority greater than a simple majority of one over half (3/5 and 2/3)
unicameral legislature
one-house legislature
informal amendment
a change in the meaning, but not the wording , of the Constitution (through a court decisions such as Brown v. Broad)