Powers and policy assignments are distinct and powers of nat'l govt should be interpreted narrowly.

Mingled responsibliities and blurred distinctions between levels of govt.

National govt began involving itself in education, a previously mainly state/local responsibility, and promoted partnership between the two.

Congress began creating an interstate highway system

-Shared costs ($ for airport, sewage, programs, etc)
-Federal guidelines ($ with strings attached)
-Shared administration

Shifting domestic policy (eg. child labor laws, education, health care) back to the states.

Found turning to the federal govt and restricting state power more effective. Eg. No Child Left Behind Act - large expansion of the federal role in education

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system. National govt uses grants and funds to both aid and incluence states/locals.

Main source of federal aid to states. Can only be used for one of several hundred specific purposes of state/local spending. Come with strings attached.

Project - awarded on the basis of competitive applications
Formula - according to forumla (pop, income, rural pop, etc); states/locals do not apply

Given automatically to states/locals

"Something for everybody" (equality in politics): can have negative effects on public policy (eg to give extra help to poor children results in 95% of all districts receiving funds)

Requirements that direct states to comply with federal rules under threat of penalties or as a condition of a federal grant. Ex: medicaid. Put states in a difficult situation.