Unit 4 Federalism Flash Cards

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The three branches are legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws).

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power and ensure no single branch becomes too powerful.

Front

Federalism

Back

A system of government in which power is divided between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments, with each level having certain exclusive powers and some shared powers.

Front

Expressed/Enumerated Powers

Back

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to coin money, regulate interstate commerce, and declare war.

Front

Implied Powers

Back

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but reasonably inferred from the expressed powers. These powers allow the federal government to carry out its constitutional duties effectively.

Front

Reserved Powers

Back

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are therefore reserved for the states, as stated in the Tenth Amendment.

Front

Concurrent Powers

Back

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, build roads, and establish courts.

Front

Necessary and Proper Clause

Back

Also known as the 'Elastic Clause,' this constitutional provision (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

Front

Supremacy Clause

Back

The constitutional provision (Article VI, Clause 2) that establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state laws when conflicts arise.

Front

Denied Powers

Back

Powers that are specifically prohibited to the federal government, state governments, or both by the Constitution, such as the prohibition against ex post facto laws.