What is marble cake federalism?

Marble cake federalism, also known as cooperative federalism, is a system of federalism in which the responsibilities and powers of the federal and state governments are intertwined and overlapped, resembling a marble cake in which the lines between the two layers are blurred. This form of federalism emerged in the 1930s during the New Deal period, when the federal government began working more closely with state and local governments to solve economic and social problems.

In marble cake federalism, the federal government often provides funding, grants, and assistance to state and local governments to achieve shared objectives. The state and local governments, in turn, implement federal programs and policies, which are funded by the federal government. This approach allows for a closer collaboration between the federal and state governments and provides for a more efficient use of resources to address common goals.

Marble cake federalism is characterized by frequent interactions and collaborations between the federal and state governments, which try to find common ground and work together to achieve better outcomes for the citizens. The state and local governments have greater discretion in implementing federal programs, but they are still accountable to the federal government for achieving the desired results.

Overall, marble cake federalism represents a shift from the more rigid and hierarchical layer cake federalism to a more flexible and cooperative system, emphasizing the interdependence and partnership between the federal and state governments.