Fiscal Federalism

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system, focusing on the role of federal grants-in-aid (categorical and block grants) in influencing state policy.

Example

 

Questions

  1. What is fiscal federalism, and how does it define the power dynamic between the national and state governments?

  2. What is a grant-in-aid, and how does the federal government use it?

  3. Explain the difference between categorical grants and block grants.

  4. What are conditions of aid? Provide a specific historical example.

  5. Define a federal mandate and describe how it is typically enforced.

  6. What is an unfunded mandate, and why do state governments frequently object to them?

  7. Describe the historical concept of federal revenue sharing.

  8. Explain how the use of block grants reflects the concept of devolution.

  9. Why do state governments generally prefer block grants over categorical grants?

  10. How does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 serve as an example of a federal mandate?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw fiscal federalism! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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