Discuss the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Why did the federal government pass this law, and what impact has it had on the relationship between the national government and the states? Is this good policy? Why or why not?

Answer:

An ideal response will:
1. Describe the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
2. Explain that this policy was created following protests by state and local government officials about the fact that the federal government imposes mandates without providing funding.
3. Note that the policy has been successful in stopping mandates, but that Congress has been increasingly active in telling the national bureaucracy what to do through other communication.
4. Take a position on the reasonableness of this policy.