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AP U.S. Government & Politics
Chapter 3
24
History
10th Grade
09/24/2007

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Term
Devolution
Definition
The effort to transfer responsibility for many public programs & services from the federal gov't to the states.
Term
Block grants
Definition
$ from the national gov't that states can spend w/in broad guidelines determined by Washington.
Term
Federalism refers to...
Definition
A political system in which there are local units of gov't, as well as a national gov't, that can make final decsions w/ respect to at least some gov'tal activities and whose existence is specially protected.
Term
Sovereignty
Definition
Supreme or ultimate authority.
Term
Unitary system
Definition
Sovereignty is wholly in the hands of the national gov't
Term
Confederation or confederal system
Definition
The states are sovereign and the national gov't is allowed to do only that which the state permits.
Term
Federal system
Definition
Sovereignty is shared, so that in some matters the national gov't is supreme & in others the states are supreme.
Term
What was the goal of the
Founding Fathers?
Definition
Federalism was one device whereby personal liberty was to be protected. (as was the seperation of powers)
Term
"Necessary & proper" clause
Definition
Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws "necessary & proper" to its duties, and which has permitted Congress to exercise powers not specifically given to the it by the Constitution.
Term
Nullification
Definition
The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the states' opinion, violates the Constitution.
Term
Dual federalism
Definition
Doctrine holding that the national gov't is supreme in its sphere, the states are supreme in theirs, and the 2 shperes should be kept seperate.
Term
Police power
Definition
State power to enact laws promoting health, safety, & morals.
Term
Initiative
Definition
Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot.
Term
Referendum
Definition
Procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature.
Term
Recall
Definition
Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.
Term
Grants-in-aid
Definition
$ given by the national gov't to the states
Term
Categorical grants
Definition
Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport.
Term
Revenue sharing
Definition
Federal sharing of a fixed %age of its revenue w/ the states.
Term
Conditions of aid
Definition
Terms set by the national gov't that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds.
Term
Mandates
Definition
Terms set by the national gov't that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants.
Term
What are the 3 types of grants?
Definition
1. Operational grants: for purposes such as running state child-care programs
2. Capital grants: for purposes such as building local wastewater treatment plants.
3. Entitlement grants: for transferring income to families and individuals.
Term
The commerce clause states...
Definition
"The Congress shall have Power ...To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes."
Term
Example of the commerce clause...
Definition
Gibbons v. Odgen 1824.
Term
What gives Congress power to regulate interstate commerce?
Definition
Commerce clause.
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