Federalism
The transfer of policy-making power from the federal government back to the states.
Devolution
The amount by which government spending exceeds government revenue in one fiscal year.
Budget Deficit
Case that established the "separate but equal" doctrine, later overturned.
Plessy v. Ferguson
The constitutional clause that ensures states must recognize public acts, records, and judicial proceedings from other states.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
An economic philosophy that advocates for increased government spending during economic downturns.
Keynesian Economics
The requirement that authorities must inform a criminal suspect of their constitutional rights before questioning.
Miranda Rule (or Miranda v. Arizona)
A grant from Congress that can only be used for a specific purpose, like building a highway.
Categorical Grant
The government agency responsible for preparing the President's annual budget proposal.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Powers that are shared by both the federal government and the state governments.
Concurrent Powers
The largest and most difficult-to-cut portion of the federal budget, consisting of entitlements like Social Security.
Mandatory Spending
The term for when Congress fails to pass a budget and must authorize spending at current levels to prevent a shutdown.
Continuing Resolution