Lesson 1
the highest authority in the United States government?
What is The Constitution
Founding principles of the Constitution
Rule of Law, Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Federalism, and Popular Sovereignty.
What is judicial review?
the principle that states the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional that are in conflict with the Constitution
What is dual federalism?
A system of federalism in which both state and national governments were equal authorities
What are categorical grants?
grants the federal government gives to states that can be used only for a specific purpose, like building roads or fighting crime.
Why did the delegates who created the United States Constitution devise a government that was divided into three separate branches?
So the government did not overstep its bounds.
What is federalism?
power is divided between the 50 state governments and our national government.
What Supreme Court case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
What does the dual federalism say about supremacy?
even though the national government has ultimate supremacy, states are also “supreme” in their own powers.
What are block grants?
rants for more general purposes in broad policy areas like welfare, public health, etc.
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
Prevents any branch from having too much power
Taxes being collected and levied on U.S. citizens by both federal and state governments is an example of what type of power?
Concurrent Powers
“We are under a constitution, but the Constitution is what the Supreme Court says it is.” What government principle is this quote referring to?
Judicial Review
What was Cooperative Federalism like during the New Deal?
was marked by the belief that all levels of government should work together to solve problems, like poverty.
Which type of grant do states prefer? Why?
Block Grants, they come with few strings attached
What’s an advantage of the system of checks and balances?
They work together and seek the common good
Coining money is an example of what type of power?
National
The Civil War changed federalism, how did the balance of power change between the national and state governments after the Civil War?
National gov gained power and states lost power
What is Cooperative Federalism known as?
“Marble Cake”
What are federal mandates?
Federal government forces states to comply with national laws and policies in order for the states to receive grant money.
What places the greatest limit on the power of the federal government?
The Bill of Rights
What’s an example of a power that is DENIED to the national government?
Establish and maintain schools
How has the 14th Amendment been interpreted by the Supreme Court?
to make rights contained in the Bill of Rights applicable to the states.
What’s the earliest example of the national gov taking on a greater role in the everyday lives of people?
The great depression
What’s an example of a federal mandate?
Federal government has tried to pressure states into accepting national speed limits and raising drinking age.