The Constitution of the United States calls for a federalist system of government. This means that power is divided in the United States between the national and the state levels of government. Both national and state governments have the ability to make laws and policies in the United States, and since there are fifty states, there is a large potential policy variance from state to state.
             [how much if any do we want to cover the evolution of federalism...could go in a box]
             The relationship between national and state government in policymaking has evolved throughout history. Initially, national and state government functions were very distinct. State governments, for example, were responsible for education or transportation policies. The national government limited themselves to the larger issues such as national defense or international trade. There was little integration of the two levels of governments. This type of federalism is often referred to as dual federalism or layer-cake federalism.
             As the federal government began to expand its role, especially in response to the New Deal, the imaginary barriers that existed between national and state policy began to meld together to some extent. It was not unusual to see the national government get more involved in what were traditionally thought of as state policies. Dual federalism evolved into cooperative federalism (sometimes referred to as "marble-cake federalism) as the national and state government began to work together more in policy making.
             Much of the cooperation that occurred between the national and state governments was a result of the additional monies being provided to the states through such mechanisms as block and categorical grants. States were grateful for the federal funding, but at the same time were concerned about the expectations that such funding carried. Did the money have to be spent is a certain way? Or on certain programs? How would this affec
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