Key Concepts in Federalism

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Federalism

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A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

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Delegated Powers

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Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

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Reserved Powers

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Powers which are not written down or assigned. According to the Tenth Amendment, these powers are reserved to the states or the people.

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Concurrent Powers

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Powers shared by both the federal government and each constituent political unit (such as a state or province).

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Supremacy Clause

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A clause in the United States Constitution that establishes that the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties made under its authority, constitute the supreme law of the land.

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Enumerated Powers

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Powers of the federal government that are specifically described in the Constitution.

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Implied Powers

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Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are implied through the exercise of delegated powers.

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Necessary and Proper Clause

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A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers.

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Commerce Clause

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A clause in the United States Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes.

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Dual Federalism

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A political arrangement in which power is divided between the federal and state governments in clearly defined terms.