Foundations & Federalism
This principle means that government power ultimately comes from the people themselves.
What is popular sovereignty?
This clause lets Congress make laws that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out its duties.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)?
This two-chamber lawmaking body structure, used by Congress, is called what?
What is a bicameral legislature?
After each census, this process redistributes House seats among the states.
What is reapportionment?
Powers like setting up public schools are usually reserved for which level of government?
What are states or state governments?
This system divides power between a national government and state governments.
What is federalism?
This clause has been used to expand national power over economic activity between states.
What is the Commerce Clause?
Permanent congressional committees that handle bills in specific policy areas are called this.
What are standing committees?
When state legislators manipulate district lines to give one party an unfair advantage.
What is gerrymandering?
These powers, like taxation, are shared by both national and state governments.
What are concurrent powers?
These powers are clearly listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
What are enumerated (or expressed) powers?
Powers reasonably suggested by the Necessary and Proper Clause are known by this term.
What are implied powers?
This House committee is the first to handle all revenue bills.
What is the House Ways & Means committee?
Critics argue that strict voter-ID laws are most harmful for these groups of voters.
Who are the poor, elderly, and minority voters?
A law passed by a city or county government is called this.
What are ordinances?
This clause says that the Constitution and national laws outrank conflicting state laws.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
This is the best example of an implied power: creating a national financial institution.
What is creating a national bank?
In the House, this type of rule limits debate and bars amendments from the floor.
What is a closed rule?
A situation where one party controls the presidency and another controls at least one chamber of Congress.
What is a divided government?
Early New England town meetings are often cited as this type of democracy.
What is direct democracy?
This 1780s rebellion by farmers helped push elites toward a stronger national government.
What is Shays’s Rebellion?
These federal programs, such as Social Security or Medicare, guarantee benefits to people who qualify.
What are entitlement programs?
This is Congress’s monitoring of the executive branch to ensure laws are carried out as intended.
What is legislative oversight?
This Supreme Court–related principle allows courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
What is judicial review?
States often use this policy tool—such as tax breaks—to attract businesses to struggling regions.
What are tax incentives?