PoliSci Ch. 3

1. What is federalism? What is the purpose of federalism? Federalism is what gives power to both the federal and state governments. It serves to allow each to be independent and keeps one from getting too powerful. 2. What is the separation of powers? What is the purpose of the separation of powers? The separation of powers divides our government into the legislative, judicial, and executive branch. It delegates power as well as creates a system of checks of balances that prevents corruption. 3. What are the implied powers? Specifically, what powers are reserved for the national government? They aren't explicitly written in the constitution, but are implied. For example, Congress has the power to make all laws that are necessary and proper. 4. What are the reserved powers? Specifically, what powers are reserved for state governments? They are powers reserved for the states. Only states have the power to make laws around education. 5. What are concurrent powers? What powers are shared at both the state and national levels? Powers that are shared between the federal and state governments. For example, both governments have the power to control trading and regulate currency. 6. What is the full faith and credit clause? What is the comity clause? The full faith and credit clause demands that each state respects each other's laws. The comity clause prevents discrimination between states. 7. What are interstate compacts? They allow for two states to settle a dispute by creating a legally binding agreement via the federal government. 8. What is home rule? What are local governments? The home rule allows state governments to delegate powers to a local government. A government of a county, city, or town is a local government. 9. What is dual federalism or the “traditional system”? Dual federalism is a system with a national and state government. This was America’s system until the 1930s. 10. What was the significance of McCulloch vs Maryland (1819)? It federally defined the term “implied powers,” which gave the national government more room for interpretation of the constitution. Gibbons vs Ogden (1824)? This case expressed that states could not grant monopolies. It also created the idea of interstate commerce. The National Labor Relations Board vs. Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation (1937)? This reinforced that companies cannot disencourage unions, or punish employees for creating a union. It also brought up the idea that large corporations are participating in interstate commerce if they have suppliers and buyers in different states, which makes them subject to federal questioning. 11. Why were Southern politicians opposed to the expansion of the national government’s power prior to the Civil War? They believed that the federal government would ban slavery if it became too powerful. 12. How has the relationship between state and national governments changed overtime in the United States? Why? Overtime, the national government has retained more power. This has changed the relationship between both governments by creating a dynamic where the federal government gives to the local governments. 13. What is cooperative federalism and how does it differ from dual federalism? What are grants-in- aid? Cooperative federalism is where the national, state, and local governments work together in a systematic way. Grants-in-aid are subsidies from the federal government that help state and local governments. 14. What is regulated federalism and why is it significant? Regulated federalism allows Congress to pass federal mandates in which state and local governments must obey to receive grant money. It is significant because it enhances federal power and enforces the norm that the federal government must regulate society. 15. What are checks and balances? How can each branch of the national government check each other? Checks and balances are ways that each branch of the government can limit each other's power in order to prevent one from getting too powerful. The legislative branch can check the executive by overriding a veto. The Senate also confirms all judges nominated by the president, which allows them to check the judicial branch. The executive branch checks the legislative by vetoing laws, and checks the judicial branch by having the power to pardon convicted felons. The judicial branch has the power to determine the constitutionality of executive and legislative acts.