Federalism (Ch 3)

Front 1

necessary and proper clause

Back 1

Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to take all actions that are "necessary and proper" to the carrying out of its delegated powers. Also known as the elastic clause.

Front 2

McCullock v. Maryland

Back 2

Decision of 1819 in which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the state's power to tax a federal government entity.

Front 3

reapportionment

Back 3

The redrawing of state legislative and congressional districts that occurs after each decennial census.

Front 4

spending clause

Back 4

Constitutional provision that gives Congress the power to collect takes to provide for the general welfare.

Front 5

categorical grant

Back 5

Federal grant to a state and/or local government that imposed programmatic restrictions on the use of funds.

Front 6

dual sovereignty

Back 6

A theory of federalism by which both the national and state governments have final authority over their own policy domains.

Front 7

New Deal

Back 7

Programs created by Franklin Roosevelt's administration that expanded the power of the federal government over economic affairs.

Front 8

unfunded mandates

Back 8

Federal regulations that impose burdens on state and local governments without appropriating enough money to over costs.

Front 9

nullification

Back 9

A doctrine that gives states the authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.

Front 10

federalism

Back 10

Division of sovereignty between at least two different levels of government.

Front 11

elastic clause

Back 11

An alternate name for the U.S. Constitution's "necessary and proper clause" that stresses how flexibly courts have interpreted the language to reconcile it with congressional activities.

Front 12

supremacy clause

Back 12

Part of the Constitution that says the Constitution is the "supreme Law of the Land," to which all judges are bound.

Front 13

sovereign immunity

Back 13

The legal doctrine protecting states from lawsuits files under national legislation.

Front 14

cooperative federalism

Back 14

The theory that all levels of government can work together to solve common problems.

Front 15

devolution

Back 15

Return of governmental responsibilities to states and localities.

Front 16

block grant

Back 16

Federal grant to a state and/or government that imposes minimal restrictions on the use of funds.

Front 17

line-item veto

Back 17

Power of most governors to reject specific components of legislation rather than reject entire bills.

Front 18

commerce clause

Back 18

Constitutional provision that gives Congress power to regulate commerce "among the states."