There is a need to be sure that the states are following the precise regulations established by the federal government.
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block grants
Grants in aid are grants to states to achieve a public project or service. Categorical grants are grants that are given to states for a SPECIFIC PURPOSE. Block grants are given to states for a GENERAL purpose.
Well, it depends. It is apparent that block grants are preferable to the states and governors, since they are more broad and less detailed on how the money can and should be spent, whereas a categorical grant is "categorized" and "specific" and is quite detailed in how the state is allowed to spend the money given from the Federal government.
The New Federalism is a plan implemented under the Nixon administration that transferred some powers previously held by the federal government back to the state level. Factors reflected by the New Federalism were the federal government provide block grants to the states to resolve a social issues and revenue sharing to foster local autonomy by minimizing federal restrictions on the grants.
The use of block grants to encourage the states to assist the federal government in achieving certain goals originated with the Lyndon Johnson administration (1963-1969). His successor, Richard Nixon, used this method (often referred to as the "New Federalism") more extensively. This has been seen by some as bribery (promising states grants of money to enact certain legislation) or blackmail (threatening to withhold block grants to states which did not comply with federal policy goals). In the 1970's, states were encouraged to set specific speed limits on Interstate highways by threatening to withhold grants for highway construction. Most states complied, though several western states refused.