Relationship Between States and National Government - AP US Government and Politics
- Identify a power exclusively held by the federal government.
- Coining money. Only federal government can create currency and regulate its value.
- What is the concept of fiscal federalism?
- The use of financial tools by the federal government to influence states. Federal government uses grants and funding to shape state policies.
- What principle allows states to govern within their own borders?
- State sovereignty. States retain authority over local matters within constitutional limits.
- Which case reinforced the federal government's ability to regulate commerce?
- Gibbons v. Ogden. Confirmed federal authority over interstate commerce against state monopolies.
- What is meant by 'layer cake federalism'?
- A clear division of responsibilities between state and national governments. Represents dual federalism with distinct, separate governmental layers.
- Which amendment abolished slavery, impacting state powers?
- The Thirteenth Amendment. Applied the amendment nationwide, overriding state laws permitting slavery.
- What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
- It requires states to respect other states' public acts and records. Ensures legal documents from one state are recognized in all others.
- What is devolution in the context of federalism?
- The transfer of powers from the federal government to states. Part of new federalism movement to reduce federal government's role.
- How does the Equal Protection Clause limit state powers?
- It prohibits states from denying equal protection under the law. Prevents discriminatory state laws and ensures constitutional rights.
- What is dual federalism?
- A system where state and national governments operate independently. Also called layer-cake federalism, with distinct spheres of authority.
- What does the Extradition Clause require of states?
- To return criminals to the state where they committed the crime. Prevents states from harboring fugitives from other jurisdictions.
- How is the Elastic Clause related to federalism?
- It expands Congressional powers, affecting state authority. Allows federal expansion that may override state authority.
- What is the purpose of the Privileges and Immunities Clause?
- To prevent states from discriminating against non-residents. Ensures citizens receive equal treatment regardless of which state they visit.
- Which Supreme Court case established judicial review over state laws?
- Marbury v. Madison. Established judicial review, allowing courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.
- What is the Supremacy Clause?
- It establishes that federal laws supersede state laws. Found in Article VI, it ensures federal law takes priority when conflicts arise.
- What role does the Supreme Court play in federalism?
- It interprets the Constitution to resolve state-federal conflicts. Acts as the final arbiter in disputes between state and federal authority.
- Define cooperative federalism.
- A system where state and national governments work together. Also known as marble-cake federalism, with shared responsibilities.
- How does the Commerce Clause affect state powers?
- It limits states' abilities to regulate interstate commerce. Grants Congress broad power to regulate trade between states.
- Define block grants.
- Federal funds provided to states for broad purposes. Give states flexibility in how they spend federal money.
- Which clause is the basis for implied powers of Congress?
- The Necessary and Proper Clause. Allows Congress to pass laws beyond those explicitly enumerated.
- Which clause allows Congress to pass laws necessary for executing its powers?
- The Necessary and Proper Clause. Also called the Elastic Clause, it grants implied powers to Congress.
- What is the significance of the case South Dakota v. Dole?
- It upheld the use of federal funds to influence state policies. Validated conditional federal funding as constitutional coercive tool.
- What is a concurrent power?
- A power shared by both state and national governments. Examples include taxation, law enforcement, and establishing courts.
- Define 'marble cake federalism.'
- A blending of state and national government functions and policies. Represents cooperative federalism with intertwined governmental functions.
- What is the main purpose of the Tenth Amendment?
- To reserve powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. Protects state sovereignty by limiting federal government's authority.
- What is the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?
- It affirmed the supremacy of federal over state laws. Established federal supremacy and legitimacy of implied powers.
- Identify a shared power in federalism.
- Taxation. Both levels can collect taxes from citizens and businesses.
- Define categorical grants.
- Federal funds provided for specific purposes with conditions. Have strict requirements and limited state discretion in spending.
- What is an unfunded mandate?
- A federal requirement without provided funding for compliance. Creates financial burden on states to comply with federal regulations.
- How does the federal government influence state policy through grants?
- By attaching conditions to the receipt of federal funds. Creates incentives for states to adopt preferred federal policies.
- What is the primary function of the Commerce Clause?
- To regulate trade among the states and with foreign nations. Ensures uniform trade rules and prevents state protectionism.
- Identify an example of a reserved power for states.
- Regulating education. Reserved powers belong exclusively to states under the Tenth Amendment.
- Identify a power denied to both state and national governments.
- Granting titles of nobility. The Constitution prohibits both levels from creating aristocratic titles.
- Define the term 'federal mandate.'
- A requirement imposed by the federal government on states. Creates binding obligations for states to follow federal directives.
- Identify the amendment that reserves powers to the states.
- The Tenth Amendment. Reserves all powers not explicitly given to federal government to states and people.
- What does the term 'unfunded mandate' imply for states?
- States must comply without federal financial assistance. Places financial strain on state budgets without compensation.
- What impact did the New Deal have on federalism?
- It increased federal involvement in state matters. Expanded federal power through economic programs and regulations.
- What is preemption?
- When federal law overrides or takes precedence over state law. Based on the Supremacy Clause when federal and state laws conflict.
- Identify a key feature of new federalism.
- Greater state control in administering federal programs. Reagan-era policy emphasizing state autonomy and reduced federal oversight.
- Which amendment granted citizenship and equal protection, affecting states?
- The Fourteenth Amendment. Prohibited states from denying citizenship and equal protection rights.