Patterns of spending federal aid have shifted since Chapter 2 of the 1981 Education Consolidation and Improvement Act combined 29 existing programs into one block grant and placed the responsibility for allocating the funds with the states and local districts. Since 1982-83 Chapter 2 appropriations were 14.4 percent below funding for the…

A number of basic questions exist about the nature of the federal system, about the role education plays in that system, and about how that role should be expressed in policy. This paper examines the doctrinal, functional, and strategic meanings of the term "federalism." The author argues, first, that there is no doctrinal support for…

Empirical literature on the effects of intergovernmental grants on educational spending is reviewed in this document, which examines 40 published works covering the last two decades. Intergovernmental grants include both state grants to local governments and federal grants to state and local governments. The review's first section summarizes…

Discusses the significance of the shift in federal educational policies marked by the adoption of the block grant approach to federal aid in Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act. Reviews several general findings of case studies of the first year of Chapter 2 grant implementation. (PGD)

The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which was the first piece of legislation to provide for basic literacy training to adults, was passed as a result of a number of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, the influence of the media, and the political astuteness of President Lyndon B. Johnson. As a redistributive policy, the Economic…

Traces recent developments in federal/state relations including the shift in federal aid from places to people. Examines the change in federal influence from grants to regulations. Concludes with a discussion of the differences between Congressional and White House attempts to trim the federal budget. (MJP)

Traces the historical development of the conflict between state sovereignty and the role of the federal government. State sovereignty, supposedly guaranteed by the 10th Amendment, has been seriously eroded by the federal government's extension of the commerce clause. Briefly discusses seminal cases in this development. (MJP)

Maintains that intergovernmental relations are dynamic because local, state, and federal governments constantly respond to changing expectations. This interdependent relationship requires the various governments to modify their pursuit of special interests through daily bargaining. This process affects every aspect of government. (MJP)

Encapsulates several brief articles providing perspectives from the states, the 104th Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House. Issues covered include the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and the White House attempts to reduce the federal workforce. Authors include Hank Brown, Rita G. Koman, James L. Martin, and Joseph R. Marbach. (MJP)

Although federal involvement in education has been reduced in the 1980's under the Reagan Administration's "New Federalism," it is far from clear that state and local governments are willing and able to adequately compensate for this decreasing involvement to ensure educational equity and quality. In the current debate over federalism,…

Encapsulates a series of brief essays exploring different aspects of modern federalism. Issues include further protection of individual rights extended through state constitutions and federalism and the world economy. Authors include Robert F. Williams, Earl H. Fry, and Daniel J. Elazar. (MJP)

Examines several recent decisions of the more conservative and constructionist Rehnquist Supreme Court. Discusses those judgements that challenge the regulatory power of the federal government. In separate cases concerning mandatory retirement of state judges and regulating toxic waste clean-up, the high court ruled in favor of state control. (MJP)

This congressional report contains testimony given in relation to the passage of the Vocational and Adult Education Consolidation Act (S. 2325). (The Vocational and Adult Education Consolidation Act is legislation designed to consolidate existing federal vocational and adult education programs, to simplify requirements for states and other…

Employment, earnings, and poverty among single mothers in New York City and across the United States in the age of welfare reform were examined to identify goals and recommendations for reauthorization of legislation regulating Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The study indicated that although job holding by single mothers has risen…