Which term describes the approach where federal and state governments work together on policy through shared programs and funding?

• A. Dual federalism
• B. Cooperative federalism
• C. Checks and balances
• D. Separation of powers

Answer: (B)

Cooperative federalism describes the arrangement where the federal and state governments work together on policy through shared programs and funding. They collaborate by distributing powers and resources, with the federal government often providing grants and setting conditions while states administer and implement the programs. This approach is common in areas like Medicaid or transportation funding, where both levels contribute to policy outcomes. In contrast, dual federalism describes a period when the two levels operated largely independently within separate spheres. Checks and balances and separation of powers refer to how power is divided within the national government among the branches, not to how federal and state governments cooperate on policy.