AP US Government
About this set
Created by:
nikkiownby on May 8, 2012
Subjects:
Description:
unit 1: constitutional underpinnings
Log in to favorite or report as inappropriate.
Order by
8 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Anti-Federalists | opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption. They argued that the constitution was a class-based document, that it would end fundamental liberties, and that it would weaken the power of the states |
| Articles of Confederation | The first constitution of the US, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Constitutional Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures |
| Bill of Rights | The first ten amendments of the US constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalist concerns. These amendments define such basic as freedom of religion, speech, and press, and offer protections against arbitrary searches by the police and being held without a lawyer |
| block grants | federal grants given more or less automatically to states/committees to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services |
| categorical grants | Fed'l grants that can be used only for specific purposes, or "categories," of state and local spending. They come with strings attached, such as nondiscriminatory provisions |
| checks and balances | An important part of the Madison model designed to limit gov't's power by requiring that power be balanced among the different gov't institutions. These institutions continually check one another's activities. The system reflects Madison's goal of setting power against power. |
| coercive federalism | A system in which the national gov't forces the states to follow its leads by passing public policy legislation requiring participation |
| commerce clause | gives, in the constitution, Congress the right to "regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among several states, and with the Indian tribes." Used by Congress to justify exercising legislative power over the activities of states and citizens. Viewed historically as a grant of congressional authority and as a restriction on states' powers to regulate |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.