AP Gov - 1.9 Federalism in Action

Federalism in Practice

Divides power between national and state governments to interact on public policy.

Federal Grants

Funds provided by the federal government to state or local governments for programs.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose, giving states less flexibility.

Block Grants

Federal funding provided for broad policy areas, giving states more spending flexibility.

Federal Mandate

A requirement imposed by the federal government that state or local governments must follow.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements states must follow without enough funding, creating financial tension.

Conditions of Aid

Requirements attached to federal funding that states must meet to receive money.

Fiscal Federalism

The use of federal funds and taxation to influence state policies.

Laboratories of Democracy

The ability of states to experiment with policies that may spread nationally.

Federalism Conflicts

Disputes over authority resolved via Congress, courts, the President, and elections.

Education Policy in Federalism

Administered by states/locals, with federal influence via funding and requirements.

Healthcare Policy in Federalism

Federal government provides funding and programs while states help administer them.

Environmental Policy in Federalism

Federal government sets national standards while states implement and enforce them.