Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are block grants designed to do?
What are block grants designed to do?
Give the states considerable discretion in how money from the federal government should be spent.
What is one of the biggest problems with federal block grants?
What is one of the biggest problems with federal block grants?
There is a need for greater accountability in how the funds are actually spent by the states.
An example of ________ is when federal officials force state officials to implement more stringent water pollution regulations.
An example of ________ is when federal officials force state officials to implement more stringent water pollution regulations.
preemption
When did the number of categorical grants in the United States increase dramatically?
When did the number of categorical grants in the United States increase dramatically?
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What is it called when a state grants a city the ability to govern its own local affairs?
What is it called when a state grants a city the ability to govern its own local affairs?
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What is the process by which one unit of government yields a portion of its tax income to another unit of government according to an established formula called?
What is the process by which one unit of government yields a portion of its tax income to another unit of government according to an established formula called?
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Congressional grants paid for ________ percent of the development of an interstate highway system after World War II.
Congressional grants paid for ________ percent of the development of an interstate highway system after World War II.
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When was the era of dual federalism?
When was the era of dual federalism?
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During the era of dual federalism, what was the primary goal of the federal government's domestic policies?
During the era of dual federalism, what was the primary goal of the federal government's domestic policies?
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Federal officials seeking to give states more authority are most likely to support what?
Federal officials seeking to give states more authority are most likely to support what?
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In McCulloch v Maryland, what did the Supreme Court decide?
In McCulloch v Maryland, what did the Supreme Court decide?
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Schools in California were desegregated as a result of which court case?
Schools in California were desegregated as a result of which court case?
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According to Governing California, what is the current majority demographic in California?
According to Governing California, what is the current majority demographic in California?
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What is the total population of California according to Governing California?
What is the total population of California according to Governing California?
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According to Governing California, undocumented immigrants were able to obtain a driver's permit in California as of 2015.
According to Governing California, undocumented immigrants were able to obtain a driver's permit in California as of 2015.
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What trend concerning income inequality has been observed in California according to Governing California?
What trend concerning income inequality has been observed in California according to Governing California?
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What can voters use to directly approve or overturn laws that the state legislature has passed in many states, including California?
What can voters use to directly approve or overturn laws that the state legislature has passed in many states, including California?
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Who was the only sitting California governor to be recalled from office?
Who was the only sitting California governor to be recalled from office?
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Who is the California governor most associated with the Progressive Era?
Who is the California governor most associated with the Progressive Era?
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Which company did Progressive reformers point to when discussing machine politics and corporate privilege?
Which company did Progressive reformers point to when discussing machine politics and corporate privilege?
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Why did local governments become administratively important in the early years of the Republic?
Why did local governments become administratively important in the early years of the Republic?
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Which statement best describes state-level same-sex marriage laws prior to 2015?
Which statement best describes state-level same-sex marriage laws prior to 2015?
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Advocates of limiting the powers of the national government often reference which amendment?
Advocates of limiting the powers of the national government often reference which amendment?
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Who was the first president to promote New Federalism?
Who was the first president to promote New Federalism?
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What is the process by which one unit of government yields a portion of its tax income to another unit of government according to an established formula called?
What is the process by which one unit of government yields a portion of its tax income to another unit of government according to an established formula called?
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What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the Affordable Care Act?
What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the Affordable Care Act?
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How is federalism best defined?
How is federalism best defined?
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During which historical period was the constitutional idea of states' rights strongest?
During which historical period was the constitutional idea of states' rights strongest?
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What was a major reason the slogan 'states' rights' became tarnished in the 1950s and 1960s?
What was a major reason the slogan 'states' rights' became tarnished in the 1950s and 1960s?
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Study Notes
Federal Grants and State Authority
- Block grants provide states significant discretion in spending federal funds.
- Accountability remains a crucial concern with federal block grants regarding states' use of funds.
- Preemption occurs when federal authorities enforce stringent regulations on states, such as water pollution standards.
- The 1960s saw a marked increase in the number of categorical grants in the United States.
State Governance and Revenue Sharing
- Home rule allows cities to manage their local affairs autonomously.
- General revenue sharing is the process where one government unit shares tax income with another based on a formula.
- Congressional grants financed 90% of the interstate highway system's development post-World War II.
Federalism Historical Context
- Dual federalism spanned from the Founding until the New Deal, focusing on economic cooperation between states.
- Federal officials favoring state authority tend to endorse block grants.
- McCulloch v Maryland established the U.S. government's right to create a central bank.
Social and Demographic Issues in California
- Mendez v Westminster was pivotal in desegregating California schools.
- California currently has a majority minority population, with a total population of 39.3 million.
- As of 2015, undocumented immigrants in California could obtain a driver's permit.
- Income inequality in California has risen over the past 35 years.
- California voters can directly vote to approve or reject state laws through referendums.
Political Developments in California
- Gray Davis is the only sitting California governor to be recalled.
- Hiram Johnson is associated with the Progressive Era in California politics.
- Southern Pacific Railroad exemplified machine politics and corporate privilege during discussions of political reform.
Local Government and Historical Context
- Early Republic local governments gained importance as states struggled to enforce laws, relying heavily on local administration.
- Before 2015, thirteen states had laws prohibiting same-sex marriage.
Constitutional Principles and Federalism
- Advocates for restricting national government power cite the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
- Richard Nixon was the first president to advocate for New Federalism.
- The Supreme Court ruled that states could opt out of expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act without losing existing federal funds.
- Federalism is defined as dividing power between the national government and lower-level governments.
- The concept of states' rights was most pronounced in the years leading up to the Civil War; its reputation was tarnished in the 1950s and 1960s due to its association with civil rights opposition.
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Description
Test your knowledge on federal block grants with this quiz. Explore their purpose, accountability issues, and specific examples of implementation challenges. Perfect for students studying government funding and public policy.
