Unit Test 1-3 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Unitary system
A centralized governmental system where local governments exercise the powers given to them by the central government
Confederal system
A system made up of a league of independent states each having sovereign powers
Police power
The authority to legislate for the protection of the health morals safety and welfare of the people
Concurrent powers
Powers shared by the national and state governments
Supremacy clause
The constitutional provision that makes the constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws
Horizontal control
Check against expansion of government powers that rely on checks and balances between branches of government
Vertical control
A check against the accumulation of too much power in any one level of government
Privileges/immunities
Special rights and exceptions provided by law
Extradite
To surrender an accused or convicted criminal to the state they fled from
Interstate compacts
Agreement between two or more states on minor matters
Commerce clause
The section of constitution in which congress is given the power to regulate trade among the states with foreign countries
Dual federalism
A system in which the states and the national government each remain supreme within its own sphere. The doctrine looks on nation and state as coequal sovereign powers. Neither state or government should interfere in eachothers sphere
Cooperative federalism
The theory of national government and states cooperating in solving problems
Categorical grants
Federal grants to states or local governments for specific programs or projects
Block grants
Federal programs that provide funds to state and local governments for general functioning areas such as criminal justice or mental health programs
Federal mandates
Requirements in federal legislation that force states and municipalities to comply with certain rules
Devolution
The transfer of powers from a national or central government to a state or local government
New judicial federalism
The increased reliance of state courts of last resort on state constitutions rather than on the federal constitution for the protection of individual rights
Representative assembly
A legislature composed of individuals who represent the population
Natural rights
Rights held to be inherent in natural law, not dependent on governments. Started by john Locke with rights to life liberty and property. Asserted in Declaration of Independence
Social contract
A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules
Unicameral legislatures
A legislature with only one a posing legislative chamber. Only Nebraska has this
Confederation
A political system in which states or regional governments retain ultimate authority except for those powers they expressly delights for a central government
States
A group of people occupying a specific area and organized under one government
