The Politics of Unfunded Mandates: Whither Federalism?

by Paul L. Posner

Overview

This book is the first comprehensive analysis of the politics behind the use of mandates requiring state and local governments to implement federal policy.

Over the last twenty-five years, during both liberal and conservative eras, federal mandates have emerged as a resilient tool for advancing the interests of both political parties. Revealing the politics that led to the policies, Paul L. Posner explores the origins of these congressional mandates, what interests and needs they satisfy, whether mandate reform initiatives can be expected to alter their use, and their implications for federalism.

This book reveals how mandates have changed the way policy is formed in the United States and the fundamental relationship between the federal government and the state and local governments.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589018747
Publisher:	Georgetown University Press
Publication date:	12/03/1998
Series:	American Governance and Public Policy series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Paul L. Posner is director of Federal Budget Issues at the U.S. General Accounting Office and an adjunct professor in the Graduate Public Policy Program at Georgetown University.

What People are Saying About This

Timothy J. Conlan

Posner has written the definitive work on the politics of federal mandates. He has given us a subtle, comprehensive, and commanding analysis of one of the most important intergovernmental trends of the past three decades. Every serious student of American federalism and contemporary policymaking will find it essential reading.

David R. Beam

By far the most comprehensive treatment of the 'second face' of contemporary federalism Posner brings a great depth of knowledge and painstaking research to his examination of these important environmental, educational, non-discrimination, and health and safety programs A significant work worthy of the attention of any student of American government.

From the Publisher

"Posner has written the definitive work on the politics of federal mandates. He has given us a subtle, comprehensive, and commanding analysis of one of the most important intergovernmental trends of the past three decades. Every serious student of American federalism and contemporary policymaking will find it essential reading."—Timothy J. Conlan, associate professor of government and politics, George Mason University

"By far the most comprehensive treatment of the 'second face' of contemporary federalism Posner brings a great depth of knowledge and painstaking research to his examination of these important environmental, educational, non-discrimination, and health and safety programs A significant work worthy of the attention of any student of American government."—David R. Beam, director, Graduate Program in Public Administration, Illinois Institute of Technology

Editorial Reviews

Examines the political forces behind the adoption of federal mandates over the period from the 1980s through the end of 1996, and analyzes the political prospects for initiatives that seek to restrain the use of mandates. Analysis draws on research into congressional voting behavior, and case studies of significant mandate actions of the 99th Congress. Examines forces that led to the passage of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, and the influence this act had on mandate decisions in 1996. Paper edition (unseen), $24.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

A pioneering quantitative and qualitative study of a hot intergovernmental topic — federal mandates on state and local governments this superb study should be read by every student of American federalism. Its breadth also makes it classroom friendly.

Political Science Quarterly

Posner has written the definitive work on the politics of federal mandates. He has given us a subtle, comprehensive, and commanding analysis of one of the most important intergovernmental trends of the past three decades. Every serious student of American federalism and contemporary policymaking will find it essential reading.

Timothy J. Conlan

By far the most comprehensive treatment of the ‘second face’ of contemporary federalism … Posner brings a great depth of knowledge and painstaking research to his examination of these important environmental, educational, non-discrimination, and health and safety programs … A significant work worthy of the attention of any student of American government.

David R. Beam

"A pioneering quantitative and qualitative study of a hot intergovernmental topic — federal mandates on state and local governments this superb study should be read by every student of American federalism. Its breadth also makes it classroom friendly."—Political Science Quarterly

From the Publisher