Block Grant
A federal grant that provides funds to a state or local government for a general functional area, such as criminal justice or mental-health programs.
Categorical Grant
A federal grant to a state or local government for a specific program or project
Commerce Clause
The section of the Constitution in which Congress is given the power to regulate trade among the states and with foreign countries.
Concurrent Powers
Powers held jointly by the national and state government
Confederal System
A system consisting of a league of independent states, in which the central government created by the league has only limited powers over the states.
Cooperative Federalism
A model of federalism in which the states and the national government cooperate in solving problems
Devolution
The transfer of powers from a national or central government to a state or local government
Dual Federalism
A model of federalism that looks on national and state governments as co-equal sovereign powers. Neither the state government nor the national government should interfere in the other's sphere.
Elastic Clause, or Necessary and Proper Clause
The clause in Article I, Section 8, that grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its specifically delegated powers.
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution.
Federal Mandate
A requirement in federal legislation that forces states and municipalities to comply with certain rules.
Fiscal
Having to do with government revenues and expenditures.
Fiscal Federalism
A process by which funds raised through taxation or borrowing by one level of government (usually the national government) are spent by another level (typically, state or local governments).
Police Power
The authority to legislate for the protection of the health, morals, safety, and welfare of the people.
Supremacy Clause
The constitutional provision that makes the Constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws.
Unitary System
A centralized governmental system in which ultimate governmental authority rests in the hands of the national, or central, government.