Federalism
Congress & Lawmaking
The Presidency
Checks Between Branches
Bureaucracy
100

This system is also called “layer cake” federalism and keeps state and national powers mostly separate.

dual federalism

100

These permanent congressional groups specialize in areas of policy.

standing committees

100

This doctrine says the president can do anything not specifically forbidden by the Constitution.

stewardship doctrine

100

This congressional power gives lawmakers control over government spending and the budget.

power of the purse

100

These are the everyday government workers hired through merit, not politics.

civil service

200

This case said states could not interfere when Congress legitimately exercises its powers.

McCulloch v. Maryland

200

This temporary committee works out differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

conference committee

200

This presidential tool uses media attention to pressure the public and Congress.

bully pulpit

200

This presidential power can reject proposed legislation passed by Congress.

veto

200

This old hiring system gave government jobs based on loyalty and favors.

spoils system

300

This type of federalism is also called “marble cake” federalism and stresses shared power.

cooperative federalism

300

This model says representatives should vote the way the people in their district want.

delegate model

300

These agreements with foreign nations do not need Senate ratification.

executive agreements

300

This branch can declare acts of Congress or executive actions unconstitutional.

judicial branch

300

This term describes rules created by executive agencies under authority delegated by Congress.

administrative law

400

This case said the commerce power is not unlimited and recognized state sovereignty and local control.

United States v. Lopez

400

This model says representatives should use their own informed judgment when voting.

trustee model

400

This theory says the president has only the powers specifically listed in Article II.

literalist doctrine

400

Only this branch has the constitutional power to declare war.

Legislative (Congress)

400

These agencies can make rules and decide violations, giving them quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers.

independent agencies

500

In this system, the federal government has broad resources and jurisdiction, but policy may be less tailored to state needs.

cooperative federalism

500

Congress must give this kind of framework when delegating authority to the executive branch.

intelligible principle

500

This controversial theory says the president has nearly total control over the executive branch.

unitary executive theory

500

Congress can do this to a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote of each house.

override a veto

500

This term describes when industries end up controlling the agencies meant to regulate them.

bureaucratic capture