Federalism AP Gov’t 2017

The Flow of Power in Three Systems of Government Recollect the difference between unitary, confederate, and federalist system. The United States federal government provides funding for roads, rail lines, dams, and other projects that encourage economic growth for the country as a whole. This highway construction project in Florida was part of a massive expansion of the country's interstate highway system in the 1950s. UPI/Corbis "Highway Construction," Microsoft« Encarta« Encyclopedia 99. ⌐ 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Federal v State Programs Which of the following programs (if any) do you think the Federal government would do a better job running? Education Licensing Conduct Elections

Grants (Carrot v Stick) Grants-in-aid: Federal funds provided to state and localities. Grants-in-aid are typically provided for airports, highways, education, and major welfare service

Other Grants Revenue Sharing (1972-1986): A law providing for the distribution of a fixed government amount or share of federal tax revenue to the state for spending on almost any government purpose. Block Grants (1960’s- 1995): (aka revenue sharing) was an attempt to consolidate several categorical grants into single grants for some specific purpose. The money was given with fewer restrictions in order to give the states more power in the use of the money. (Examples: Health and local law enforcement)

Mandate (Carrot v Stick) Mandates: Rules imposed by the federal government on the states as conditions for obtaining federal grants or requirements that the states pay the costs of certain nationally defined programs. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990

Fiscal (Co-operative) Federalism v. Devolution Fiscal federalism: Federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal govnerment providing much of the funding. Devolution: The current effort to scale back the size and activities of the national government and to shift responsibility for a wide range of domestic programs from Washington to the states. In recent years these areas have included welfare, health care, and job training. This has recently been done through block grants given by the federal government.