Ongoing Conflicts Over Money

What is a categorical grant?

• A grant with strict rules on how the money can be spent

• A grant with no conditions attached

• A grant that provides complete freedom to states

• A grant that is only used for transportation

Which of the following is an example of a block grant?

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

• Workforce Investment Act

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Medicaid

What percentage of federal grants went towards healthcare according to the chart?

• 9%

• 3%

• 16%

• 60%

Why are categorical grants more popular than block grants?

• They have no conditions attached

• They allow federal officials to take credit for successes

• They are less expensive

• They provide more freedom to states

What is an unfunded mandate?

• A state rule that requires federal compliance

• A federal rule that requires states to act without providing enough funding

• A grant with no conditions

• A federal rule that provides full funding to states

How do unfunded mandates conflict with the idea of new federalism?

• They provide too much funding to states

• They give states complete freedom

• They impose federal goals without covering costs

• They reduce state responsibilities

What is one drawback of block grants?

• They often become less flexible over time

• They are more expensive than categorical grants

• They are too flexible

• They provide too much oversight

Which law is an example of an unfunded mandate that set standards for air quality?

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

• Americans with Disabilities Act

• Workforce Investment Act

• Clean Air Act

What is a reason critics argue against block grants?

• They are too restrictive

• They are too expensive

• They lack sufficient oversight

• They provide too much accountability

What was a proposed benefit of turning Medicaid into a block grant program?

• Cost savings for the federal government

• More federal oversight

• Improved healthcare quality

• Increased state control