Systems
A system that divides power between the national and state governments.
Federalism
Powers explicitly granted to the national government through the Constitution, also called expressed powers.
Enumerated or Expressed Powers
Grants Congress the authority to regulate interstate "business" and "commercial activity.
Commerce Clause
Federal money "provided" to states to implement public policy objectives.
Grants-in-Aid
A form of American federalism in which the states "and" the nation operate independently in their own areas of public policy.
Dual Federalism
A system where the central government has all of the power over subnational governments.
Unitary System
Powers only the national government may exercise.
Exclusive Powers
Grants the federal government the authority to pass laws "required" to carry out its enumerated powers. Also called the elastic clause.
Necessary and Proper Clause
The federal government's use of grants-in-aid to influence policies in the states.
Fiscal Federalism
The process through which the Supreme Court applies fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights to the states on a "case-by-case" basis.
Selective Incorporation
A system where the subnational government have most of the power.
Confederal System
Powers not granted specifically to the national government but considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers.
Implied Powers
Establishes the Constitution and the laws of the federal government passed under its authority as the "highest" laws of the land.
Supremacy Clause
Grants-in-aid provided to states with "specific" provisions on their use.
Categorical Grants
A form of American federalism in which the states and the national government "work together" to shape public policy.
Cooperative Federalism
A system where power is divided between the national and state governments.
Federal System
Powers "not given" to the national government, which are retained by the states and the people.
Reserved Powers
Constitutional clause requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and civil court proceedings from another state.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Federal requirements that states must follow "without" being provided with funding.
Unfunded Mandate
When the federal government "apportions tax money" to the states with "no strings attached".
Revenue Sharing
The first single released from LL Cool J's fourth album, Mama Said Knock You Out.
The Boomin' System
Powers granted to "both" states and the federal government in the Constitution.
Concurrent Powers
Clause in the Constitution that prevents states from "discriminating against people" from out of state.
Privileges and Immunities Clause
A type of grant-in-aid that gives state officials more authority in the disbursement of federal funds.
Block Grant
Returning more authority to state and local governments.
Devolution