Key Vocabulary
The process that enables citizens to bypass their state legislature by placing proposed statutes and, in some states, constitutional amendments on the ballot.
Initiative
This foundational U.S. document outlines the powers shared by state and federal governments.
The Constitution
This body in Michigan is responsible for reviewing laws and handling cases where state laws or policies are challenged, and it’s the highest court in the state.
The Judicial Branch
This is the primary method by which governments collect funds for projects, tasks, etc.
Taxes
This level of government holds the highest authority within a U.S. state.
State Government
A method of election in which voters can oust elected officials before their official terms have ended.
Recall
These powers are those where authority is shared by both the federal government and the individual states within a federal system.
Concurrent Powers
This initiative was passed to encourage recycling and better waste management in the state of Michigan
Michigan Bottle Initiative
This tax is based on the value of land and buildings, and helps fund local services like schools and fire departments.
Property Tax
Zoning laws, building permits, and local ordinances are usually enforced by this level of government.
City (Municipal) Government
The principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative
Referendum
Also known as enumerated powers, these are specific authorities granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution
Expressed Powers
This document, produced by the governor, outlines how Michigan’s funds will be spent in various sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure for the upcoming fiscal year.
Michigan State Budget
This tax is automatically taken out of your paycheck to fund Social Security and Medicare.
Payroll Tax
While states can regulate education, this level of government typically manages individual school districts.
Local government
The excessive exercise of power by government authorities, exceeding their established legal limits or constitutional authority.
Overreach
Powers not mentioned in the Constitution but assumed to belong to the federal government fall under this category.
Implied Powers
This branch of Michigan's state government deals with law enforcement, proposes budgets, appoints officials, and makes major decisions for the state.
The Executive Branch - or - Governor
This tax is placed on specific goods like gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco, often included in the price.
Excise Tax
In many states, this level of local government is in charge of public health departments and emergency services across a region.
County Governments
Often debated in federalism, this legal concept allows states to challenge or resist federal laws they believe to be unconstitutional.
Nullification
This clause in the Constitution grants Congress the authority to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its enumerated powers.
In Michigan, this tax is collected from businesses based on their gross receipts, and is used to fund the state’s budget.
Corporate Income Tax
The United States federal income tax system is based on this method, where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income than those who make less.
Progressive Tax
This is the smallest unit of government that can offer limited services and often exists in rural areas.
Townships
The process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Naturalization
This 1819 Supreme Court case affirmed the federal government’s implied powers and declared that states cannot tax federal institutions.
McCulloch v. Maryland
How many state senators and house representatives are there?
38 senators and 110 House Reps
This style of taxes includes sales, and excise taxes, and usually impacts lower-income individuals due to the lack of change based on income.
Regressive Tax
This unit of government is typically smaller than a city, may be more rural, and often has a president instead of a mayor.
Village