AP U.S. Government and Politics Flashcards: Relationship Between the States and National Government
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the constitutional basis for implied powers?
Implied powers are not specifically written in the Constitution but are inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.
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What is the constitutional basis for implied powers?
Implied powers are not specifically written in the Constitution but are inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.
What are block grants?
Block grants are national funds provided to states with minimal restrictions on their use, and this type of funding is generally preferred by the states.
What are reserved powers?
Reserved powers are those not delegated to the national government but are instead reserved to the states, as stated in the Tenth Amendment.
Which level of government prefers block grants and why?
The state governments prefer block grants because the minimal restrictions give them more freedom and flexibility in how they use the national funds.
What are exclusive powers?
Exclusive powers are held by only one level of government and include enumerated powers written in the Constitution and implied powers inferred from it.
What is a mandate in the context of federalism?
A mandate is a requirement by the national government that compels state governments to perform certain actions.
The ability to make and enforce laws and build roads are examples of what type of power?
These are examples of concurrent powers because they are shared between both the national and state governments.
How do exclusive and concurrent powers contribute to the ongoing debate in U.S. government?
The division between exclusive and concurrent powers helps explain the ongoing debate over the proper balance of power between the national and state governments.
What are concurrent powers?
Concurrent powers are those shared between both the national and state levels of government, such as the power to collect taxes and enforce laws.
What is revenue sharing?
Revenue sharing is a form of national funding given to states with almost no restrictions on its use; it is the least used form of funding.
Which level of government prefers categorical grants and why?
The national government prefers categorical grants because the restrictions on the funds give it more control over how the money is spent by the states.
What are categorical grants?
Categorical grants are a form of national funding given to states that is restricted to specific categories of expenditures and is the most commonly used type of grant.
How does the constitutional allocation of power between the national and state governments affect society?
This allocation of power affects society by shaping the ongoing policy debates and determining how government funds and authority are distributed to address public needs.
Define Federalism.
Federalism is the system of government in which power is shared between the national and state governments.