Federalism Terms
What is federalism?
The system where authority is divided between a central government and regional (often state) governments.
What are examples of federal powers?
National defense, establishing immigration and naturalization laws and coining money.
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV, Section 2).
This clause in the Constitution requires states to honor other state's public acts, records and judicial proceedings.
What method of transportation impacted the connection between the states?
The railroad
The national government has what obligation to the states?
Protection from foreign invasion or domestic violence.
What are enumerated powers?
Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution.
Divide powers among several entities.
What was significant about the case of McCulloch vs. Maryland?
It established the supremacy of the national government and its use of implied powers.
What event in the early years of the 20th century shifted the American perspective on the role of the Federal Government?
The Great Depression
What is the negative impact of federal grants on state governments?
There are "strings attached," meaning the federal government has control over the states.
What is the elastic clause - Article I Section 8.
The "necessary and proper" clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its specifically delegated powers.
What are "implied powers?"
Those powers not stated but derived from enumerated powers.
During the time of Chief Justice John Marshall, many of his decisions expanded the powers of what?
The federal government
What was the goal of President Reagan's "New Federalism?"
To reduce the involvement and spending of the national government at the state level.
What is one area where the federal government has become involved that was once under the authority of the state and local governments?
Education
What are "reserved powers?"
Powers that are reserved for the states, such as public education, state taxes, speed limits, and minimum wage.
According to the 10th Amendment, the powers not delegated to the national government or denied to the states are reserved for whom?
The various states and their citizens.
What did the 16th amendment create?
A system of federal income tax
President Nixon implemented a system of "revenue sharing." What does this term mean?
Theoretically, the federal government "shares" surplus funds with the states.
Territorial. The federal government can not change the boundary lines of states, or divide territory.
What is "dual federalism?"
The federal government and the state governments each operate separately as sovereign entities.
What is the supremacy clause?
The constitutional provision that makes the Constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws.
What major event established the supremacy of the federal government over the individual states?
The Civil War
What is one factor that has contributed to the rapid increase in the national debt?
The federal support of the states
What are powers denied to the states?
Coining money
Making treaties with foreign powers
Taxing imports or exports
Maintaining troops in time of peace