Act of admission

An act creating a new State

Enabling act

A congressional act directing the people of a U.S. territory to frame a proposed State constitution

Exclusive powers

Powers exercised by the National Government alone

Extradition

The legal process by which a fugitive from justice in a State is returned

Federalism

A system of government in which a written constitution divides power between a national government and regional governments

Grants-in-aid program

Federal money given to States and other local units

Inherent powers

Powers delegated to the National Government because it is the government of a sovereign state

Interstate compact

Agreement among States or with foreign states

Privileges and Immunities Clause

No State can draw unreasonable distinctions between its residents and those of other States

Supremacy Clause

Declares that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land

Federalism

What principle is reflected when state legislatures or conventions vote on a constitutional amendment?

Through judicial review

How can the courts influence the meaning of the Constitution?

Most never make it to the states.

What happens to most proposals for amendments made in Congress?

Congress, the presidency, and federal courts

What is the subject of the first three articles of the Constitution?

It must be ratified by state legislatures or state conventions.

After Congress agrees on a proposed amendment, what is the next step in the process?

It created the federal court system.

Which is an example of how Congress has used its powers to help explain the meaning of the Constitution?

Limited government

What principle holds that no government is all-powerful and that a government may do only those things that the people have given it the power to do?

A Preamble, 7 articles, and 27 amendments

How is the Constitution organized?

Through their powers as commander in chief

Under what Constitutional authority do Presidents use military forces in combat without a formal declaration of war from Congress?

Custom and tradition made it so.

The Cabinet, which advises the President, is made up of the 15 executive department heads because

The national government grants federal lands to the states.

Which is an example of cooperative federalism?

Governors

Who is responsible for returning a fugitive from justice to the state in which the crime was committed?

A representative government

What is meant by a republican form of government?

Categorical grants

Which type of federal grant requires the states to contribute money?

A resident of one state cannot use the court system in another state.

Which of the following types of discrimination would not be allowed under the Privileges and Immunities Clause?

An expressed power.

The National Government's power to coin money is

State governments

Local governments get their authority from

Congress cannot take territory from an existing State to creare a new State without the permission of the original State's legislature.

What limit does the Constitution place on the ability of the U.S. government to add new States to the Union?

They are usually made with conditions attached.

Which of the following statements is true of categorical grants?

Criminal cases

Which of the following is an exception to the Full Faith and Credit Clause?