Light

Mandates

Definition

Mandates are requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments, compelling them to take certain actions or implement specific policies. These mandates typically come with little or no funding from the federal government.

Analogy

Imagine your parents telling you that you have to clean your room every day after school, but they don't give you any money to buy cleaning supplies. You're required to do it, but you have to figure out how to make it work on your own.

Related terms

Unfunded mandates: These are mandates imposed by the federal government that require states and localities to take certain actions without providing them with the necessary funds.

Categorical grants: These are grants-in-aid provided by the federal government for specific purposes or categories of activities. They often come with conditions or requirements that states must meet in order to receive the funds.

Devolution: This refers to the transfer of power and responsibility from the federal government to state and local governments. It is often associated with an increased reliance on block grants rather than mandates.