Clauses
Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
Powers supported by the Constitution that are not expressly stated in it.
What are Implied Powers?
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 is Picket Fence Federalism?
A democratic government in which some citizens (such as wealthy, better educated, or certain social groups) have disproportionate influence over government policy.
What is Elitist Democracy?
An uprising of about 4,000 men in Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787 to protest oppressive laws and gain payment of war debts. The unrest prompted calls for a new Constitution.
What is Shay's Rebellion?
Part of Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws related to one of its expressed powers; also known as the elastic clause.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Powers explicitly granted to Congress, the president, or the Supreme Court in the first three articles of the Constitution. Examples include Congress's power to "raise and support armies" and the president's power as commander in chief.
What are Enumerated Powers?
A form of federalism in which states compete to attract businesses and jobs through the policies they adopt.
What is Competitive Federalism?
A democratic government in which citizens choose among candidates in an election, with the winners given the power to determine government policy through some form of referenda.
What is Representative Democracy?
The landmark 1803 case in which the Supreme Court for the first time declared that part of a law passed by Congress was unconstitutional. This case helped establish the Court as an equal player in the system of checks and balances.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
Part of Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution that states, "The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America." This broad statement has been used to justify many assertions of presidential power.
What is the Executive Powers Clause?
Powers shared by the national and state governments.
What are Concurrent Powers?
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 is Dual Federalism?
A democratic government in which citizens are directly involved in making choices about government policy through some form of referenda.
What is Participatory Democracy?
A compromise between the large and small states, proposed by Connecticut, in which Congress would have two houses: a Senate with two legislators per state and a House of Representatives in which each state's representation would be based on population (also known as the Connecticut Compromise).
What is the Great Compromise?
Part of Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution that gives Congress "the power to regulate Commerce . . . among the several States." The Supreme Court's interpretation of this clause has varied, but today it serves as the basis for much of Congress's legislation.
What is the Commerce Clause?
The supreme power of an independent state to regulate its internal affairs without foreign interference.
What are Sovereign Powers?
Federal government using money (grants) to influence & control states.
What is Fiscal Federalism?
A democratic government in which each citizen has an equal amount of influence over government policy.
What is Pluralist Democracy?
Gun Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress' authority to regulate interstate commerce.
What is Lopez v. US?
Part of Article VI, Section 2, of the Constitution stating that the Constitution and the laws and treaties of the United States are the "supreme Law of the Land," meaning national laws take precedence over state laws if the two conflict.
What is the National Supremacy Clause?
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 are Police Powers?
A form of federalism in which the federal government pressures the states to change their policies by using regulations, mandates, and conditions (often involving threats to withdraw federal funding).
What is Coercive Federalism?
As understood by James Madison and the framers, the belief that a form of government in which the interests of the people are represented through elected leaders is the best form of government.
What is Republicanism / Republican Democracy?
Supreme Court case that denied Maryland the right to tax the Bank of the United States.
What is McColloch v. Maryland?