Check and Balances
What are check and balances?
Allows a branch to limit the power of the other two branches
What are Concurrent powers?
powers shared by the national and state governments
What does the Article 2 of the Constitution do?
The Executive branch has the responsibility and authority for the administration on a daily basis - explains the Executive Branch (President)
What was the McCulloch v. Maryland case?
Supreme Court case that denied Maryland the right to tax the Bank of the United States
What is Federalism?
a form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states
What is Necessary and proper clause?
constitutional authorization for Congress to make any law required to carry out its powers
What is Dual federalism?
A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.
What does the Article 1 of the Constitution do?
Gives Congress its powers and limits. Congress is the branch of the government who can make laws for the country. Also creates the two sections of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives - explains the Legislative Branch (Congress)
What was the United States v. Lopez case?
Congress had exceeded its commerce clause power by prohibiting guns in a school zone
What is a Unitary government?
A centralized government in which all government powers belong to a single, central agency.
What is Separation of Powers?
Powers are divided among the three branches of government so that one branch cannot become too powerful
What is Sovereign power?
the supreme power of an independent state to regulate its internal affairs without foreign interference
What does the Article 4 of the Constitution do?
Gives responsibilities and duties the states have along with what responsibilities the federal government has to each state.
What was the Marbury v. Madison case?
This case establishes the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review/ part of a law passed by Congress was unconstitutional
What is a Confederal Government?
a form of government in which states hold power over a limited national government
What are Police Powers?
Powers possessed by the states as part of their inherent sovereignty. These powers may be exercised to protect or promote the public order, health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
What is a Picket fence federalism?
A more refined and realistic form of cooperative federalism in which policy makers within a particular policy area work together across the levels of government.
What does the Article 3 of the Constitution do?
The Judicial branch is the court system that interprets the law. In the United States, the Judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and the lower courts which are made by Congress - explains the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court/Court System
What is States' sovereign immunity?
Based on the 11th Amendment, immunity that prevents state governments from being sued by private parties in federal court unless the state consents to the suit.
What is Intergovernmental organizations?
organizations that seek to coordinate policy across member nations
What is the Power of the Purse?
The constitutional power of Congress to raise and spend money. Congress can use this as a negative or checking power over the other branches by freezing or cutting their funding.
What is a Fiscal federalism?
Federal government using money (grants) to influence & control states.
What does the Article 6 of the Constitution do?
The Supremacy Clause"; states that laws by Congress are superior to state laws; state laws are not allowed to conflict with national laws.
What is Remedial legislation?
National laws that address discriminatory state laws. Authority for such legislation comes from Section 5 of the 14th Amendment.
What is a Unitary government?
A centralized government in which all government powers belong to a single, central agency.