Chapter 3: Federalism

Directions: Read Wilson’s Chapter 3; then, define the words below on flashcards.

 Devolution  Nullification  Recall  Block grants  Local federalism  Grants in aid  Federalism  Interstate commerce  Categorical grants  Sovereignty  Intrastate commerce  Conditions of aid  Unitary system  US v Lopez  Mandates  Federal system  US v Morrison  Unfunded mandates  Confederation  Printz v. US  Operational grants  Federal regime  Alden v. Maine  Capital grants  John Marshall  Police power  Entitlement grants  McCulloch v. Maryland  Initiative  Second-order devolution  Necessary and proper  Referendum  Third-order devolution clause

Next, answer the following questions:

1. Since 1787, what has been the most persistent political conflict? 2. What does “devolution revolution” mean? 3. How is the federal government different from a unitary government? 4. In what way can federalism be both a weakness and a strength? What determines if it will be a weakness or a strength? 5. How is a federal government different from a confederation? 6. What is meant by the “elastic language” in Article I? 7. How did Hamilton and Jefferson’s views of the power of the National government differ? 8. What two questions were answered by McCulloch v. Maryland? What were the answers? 9. What kinds of powers are available to the states? 10. What forms of direct democracy exist in some states? 11. What are some examples of grants in aid? 12. Why do states like to receive federal aid? What is the national government’s challenge when giving a state money for a particular project? 13. In the 1960s, how did the grants in aid programs change? 14. What is the purpose of the intergovernmental lobby? 15. Why do categorical grants get more support than block grants? 16. Why was revenue sharing ineffective? 17. How can citizens hold local officials accountable for protecting “rights, privileges, and immunities?” 18. Why are conditions in aid sometimes difficult for states? 19. How has the use of block grants for welfare changed the way the money gets to those who need it? 20. At present who or what determines where federal funds are spent?