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)

This paper examines the federal and state constitutional and statutory issues that affect the capacity of governments to raise revenue for education and other children's services, including mandates and key legislation that limit revenues, expenditures, and borrowing. The paper is divided into three major sections: (1) legal issues affecting…

Fifteen papers commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education's School Finance Project are contained in this volume. The papers examine the changing dimensions of the federal-state partnership in education. The volume is organized into four sections. The first section is devoted to state educational policy concerns, including various state…

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 consolidated numerous federal programs into the education block grant and shifted primary administrative responsibility to states. States have to develop a formula to distribute 80 percent of their block grant funds to local education agencies, which have virtually complete discretion in deciding the…

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)

The "new federalism" paradigm offers an explanation why the federal government has devolved much of its administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, formerly AFDC) and Medicaid (through managed care) programs. A review of child and family outcomes data resulting from these devolutionary changes in TANF and…

Presents a lesson plan on federalism that involves the class researching constitutional issues and inviting local officials to debate these issues. Students conduct a question-and-answer session afterward utilizing their research. Includes a list of proposed issues. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that allows students to analyze federalism as a source of conflict and cooperation. Materials include a Venn diagram of the federal government, illustrating delegated, shared, and reserved powers. Another handout requires students to match government responsibilities to these powers. Includes a list of questions for…

Presents a lesson plan that instructs students in following local current events that are influenced by state and federal activity. Students choose federal/state areas of concern, follow newspaper reports, and invite local officials to speak. Materials include handouts on nine current trends in federalism. (MJP)

This guide suggests ways that states may expend their federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and State Maintenance-of-Effort (MOE) funds. The guide is organized into these seven sections: (1) "Introduction" provides background information, explaining the progress that has been made on welfare reform, what the funding…

These proceedings contain papers from a symposium during which 33 practitioners from the fields of education and employment policy formation met to discuss the following topics: the political reality of a Republican majority in Congress and the trend toward increased reliance on block grants as a method of awarding federal funding; the economic…

This report describes the opinions of a number of groups on five roles attributed to vocational education (i.e., employability skills development, occupational skills development, work experience, job placement, and basic skills development). The findings were based on a secondary analysis of data from five completed National Center for Research…

This Congressional report contains the testimony and documents presented for the record of the first of two hearings to gather testimony on the effects of welfare reform and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. The oral and written testimony focuses on TANF legislation's outcomes and impact on work and families in…

This Congressional report contains the testimony and documents presented for the record at the second of two hearings on the effects of welfare reform and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. Other areas receiving particular attention from witnesses included the impacts of education and training on employment patterns…

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…