18 concepts the spec wants you to use precisely, drawn from the Panther database. Read them, then test yourself.
In test mode, tap a concept to reveal its definition.
The concepts
Cooperative federalism(tap to reveal)- A system where federal and state governments work together through shared programs, with federal funding supporting state implementation of policies.
Dual federalism(tap to reveal)- A system where federal and state governments operate independently in their own spheres of power with clear, separate responsibilities.
Federalism(tap to reveal)- The US system where power is divided between the national (federal) government and the 50 individual state governments.
Fiscal federalism(tap to reveal)- The system by which federal and state governments finance their activities through different tax sources and federal grants to states.
New Federalism(tap to reveal)- A policy philosophy promoting a return of power to the states from the federal government, emphasizing state sovereignty and reduced federal intervention.
Amendment process(tap to reveal)- The formal procedure for changing the US Constitution, requiring proposal by Congress or convention and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures.
Bill of Rights(tap to reveal)- The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, protecting individual liberties and limiting government power in areas such as speech, religion, and due process.
Bipartisanship(tap to reveal)- When politicians from different parties work together to pass legislation, rather than opposing each other along strict party lines.
Checks and balances (US)(tap to reveal)- The system where each branch of US government (legislature, executive, judiciary) can limit the powers of the others, preventing any one from becoming too dominant.
Codification(tap to reveal)- Writing the rules of government down in one clear, authoritative document.
Codified constitution(tap to reveal)- A constitution written as a single document containing fundamental laws and principles that cannot be easily changed.
Concurrent powers(tap to reveal)- Powers held by both the federal and state governments, such as taxation, establishing courts, and regulating commerce within their jurisdiction.
Constitutional sovereignty(tap to reveal)- The principle that the Constitution is the supreme law and all government authority must derive from and operate within its framework.
Entrenched constitution(tap to reveal)- A constitution which is difficult to change, typically requiring a supermajority or special procedure to amend.
Entrenchment (US)(tap to reveal)- The protection of the US Constitution from easy change: amendments require two-thirds of Congress and three-quarters of states to agree.
Enumerated powers(tap to reveal)- The specific powers listed in the US Constitution that belong to the federal government, such as the right to declare war or coin money.
Formal amendment(tap to reveal)- Official changes to the Constitution made through the constitutional amendment process outlined in Article V.
Implied powers(tap to reveal)- Powers exercised by the federal government that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are implied through the Necessary and Proper Clause.