Across
- 6. Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments, such as taxation or building roads.
- 7. A key constitutional basis for federalism, it reserves powers not delegated to the federal government nor denied to the states, for the states or the people.
- 8. A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other two. For example, the President can veto a bill passed by Congress, but Congress can override that veto.
- 13. A model of federalism that emerged during the New Deal era, involving greater collaboration and shared responsibilities between federal and state governments.
- 14. of Powers A fundamental principle designed to prevent any single person or group from gaining too much power by dividing governmental authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- 15. The division of the federal government into three separate but equal branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court and lower federal courts). The legislative branch creates laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them.
- 17. A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state or provincial governments, typically outlined in a constitution. This system contrasts with unitary systems (centralized power) and confederations (decentralized power among independent states).
- 18. Powers that are not delegated to the federal government nor denied to the states, which are consequently reserved for the states or the people. Examples include regulating intrastate commerce and establishing schools.
- 19. A system established by the Constitution that divides power between the national (federal) government and the state governments, ensuring a balance of power in managing national versus local issues.
Down
- 1. A term referring to the idea that the Constitution's meaning can be interpreted differently over time to address changing societal values and circumstances, facilitated by its broad terms and major Supreme Court decisions.
- 2. Refers to efforts, particularly since the 1970s, to devolve power from the federal government back to the states.
- 3. This clause in the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws are supreme when they conflict with state laws, provided the federal laws are constitutional.
- 4. The introduction to the Constitution, which states its goals and purposes. It begins with "We the People," emphasizing that the government's authority originates from its citizens.
- 5. The highest legal authority in the United States, meaning all other laws must comply with its principles. The Supremacy Clause (Article VI) establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are this "supreme law of the land".
- 6. funds given to states for specific purposes, often with strict conditions. Medicaid is provided as an example.
- 9. formal procedure outlined in Article V for changing the Constitution. An amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate, and must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or special state conventions.
- 10. These are powers specifically granted to the federal government, such as coining money or declaring war.
- 11. A model of federalism that prevailed from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, characterized by distinct spheres of authority for federal and state governments with little overlap.
- 12. Federal funds given to states for broader purposes, allowing states more discretion in how they spend the money. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is an example.
- 16. The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which collectively guarantee fundamental individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and the right to a fair trial.
- 20. Sovereignty: A concept where both the national and state governments possess their own spheres of authority. Under this system, citizens are subject to the laws of both levels of government, and each level can act directly on the people.