The Politics of Federal Grants
The national government has an astounding amount of control over state governments through grants, mandates and federal orders. Choosing the effective and appropriate means of government coercion is not an easy task. To complete the exercise below, you must be familiar with the different types of government programs listed below.
DIRECTIONS: Read the scenario. For each, decide which program is involved and which is most appropriate solution to the problem. Consider budgetary constraints. List the pros and cons of your choice. Explain why your choice is better than other options.
National Government Assistance Programs and Mandates:
Categorical formula grants; project grants; block grants; federal mandates; cross over sanctions; cross-cutting requirements
Scenario 1
The state of Georgia has been plagued with falling test scores in their schools from K-12 throughout the state. The President and Congress would like to see Georgia and other low-performing states raise their scores with testing, teacher hiring, or whatever may be appropriate. What would be the best approach to accomplish this goal?
Scenario 2
The Americans with Disabilities Act has stated that state and local governments must make all their public facilities accessible for all citizens, including those with disabilities. The Kansas City school district finds it must install ramps and elevators in all of its schools and administrative offices as well as making all curbs outside the buildings wheelchair acceptable.
Scenario 3
With strong lobbying from M.A.D.D., the federal government has decided to withhold federal highway funds from states that do not raise their drinking age to 21.
Scenario 4
Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act holds that no person may be discriminated against in the use of federal funds because of race, color, national origin, gender, or handicapped status. It was reported that Alabama did not uphold this law; with fewer than one tenth of one percent
Scenario 5
The Congress voted to have states pay a larger share of the Medicaid payments for their citizens. What can the states do to help finance this additional burden?
Final Scenario
Develop your own scenario and solution involving the Homeland Security Act.