Powers the Constitution reserves for states. Includes the power to regulate interstate commerce, establish local governments, etc.
Reserved powers
100
This amendment includes the Due Process Clause, which extends most rights of Bill of Rights to state governments.
Fourteenth Amendment
100
Principle that powers are divided between three independent branches of government
Separation of Powers
100
Party loyalty becomes less important to voters, and they vote for the other party candidate or independents
Dealigning election
200
Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly. In the Constitution.
First Amendment
200
Condition in which there is no dominant party and both parties have power to block the changes sought by the other
Gridlock
200
Basis for implied powers beyond those explicitly expressed in the Constitution. Also known as the Elastic Clause
Necessary and Proper Clause
200
Clause that says that states are prohibited from unreasonably discriminating against residents of other states
Privileges and Immunities Clause
200
Sharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions
Critical election
300
Powers denied to the national and/or state governments by the Constitution
Prohibited powers
300
Dramatic shift in voting patterns as a new political party coalition is formed.
Electoral Realignment
300
Powers of government are divided between national and state governments
Federalism
300
Mandates that states must implement at their own expense.
Unfunded mandates
300
Used to describe the decline in numbers of voters identifying with any political party
Electoral dealignment
400
Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. Includes the power to raise an army, regulate interstate commerce, print money, etc.
Delegated powers
400
Coalition of groups that supported Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, political realignment that formed basis for long-lasting Democratic majority.
New Deal Coalition
400
A situation in which pluralism produces gridlock instead of bargaining and compromise
Hyperpluralism
400
Third parties formed as a result of a split in one of the two major parties
Splinter parties
400
Legislative, Judicial, Executive
Three branches of U.S. government
500
Powers not specifically stated, but "necessary" and "proper" to carry out delegated powers.
Implied Powers
500
Characterizes U.S. government since 1968, with no dominant political party. Different parties often control the presidency and one or both houses of Congress
Divided Government
500
A political culture with multiple interest groups. No one interest group can gain ascendancy to govern - requiring bargaining and compromise among groups
Pluralism
500
Third parties that are based on a particular ideology (Communist Party, Socialist Party, Libertarian Party, etc.)