cooperative federalism | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction

Cooperative federalism is a conceptualization of federalism wherein national, state, and local governments work together to solve common problems as opposed to operating separately.


Cooperative federalism is a model of governance that emphasizes cooperation and collaboration among different levels of government to address common problems. This model is based on the principle that each level of government has a distinct role to play in addressing public policy issues but that they can also work together to achieve shared goals. This approach contrasts with dual federalism, in which the federal and state governments operate in distinct and separate spheres with minimal overlap.

Cooperative federalism is often associated with the New Deal era in the United States when the federal government took a more active role in addressing social and economic issues. During this time, the federal government worked closely with state and local governments to implement policies and programs that addressed issues such as poverty, unemployment, and public health. One of the most well-known examples of cooperative federalism in action was the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which employed millions of Americans to work on public infrastructure projects during the Great Depression.

In recent years, cooperative federalism has become an increasingly important concept in American politics as policymakers at all levels of government have sought to address complex and interconnected issues such as climate change, public health, and economic inequality. Many scholars argue that the success of these efforts depends on the ability of different levels of government to work together effectively and efficiently.

Cooperative federalism is characterized by a number of key features. First, it emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental partnerships and collaboration, with different levels of government working together to identify common problems and develop solutions. This approach requires a high degree of communication and coordination, as well as a willingness to compromise and work towards shared goals.

Second, cooperative federalism places a premium on flexibility and innovation, allowing different levels of government to experiment with new policies and programs to address emerging issues. This approach recognizes that different regions and communities may face unique challenges that require tailored solutions.

Finally, cooperative federalism is often associated with a strong federal role in providing funding and support to state and local governments. This can take the form of grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that help to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation and promote shared goals.

Critics of cooperative federalism argue that it can lead to a diffusion of responsibility and a lack of accountability, with different levels of government passing the buck when it comes to addressing important public policy issues. They also suggest that it can create confusion and uncertainty, as different levels of government may have different priorities and objectives.

Despite these concerns, many policymakers and scholars view cooperative federalism as an important tool for addressing complex and interconnected issues in the modern world. By working together, different levels of government can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve shared goals and improve the lives of citizens.


Learn More

On This Site


[ Glossary ]

Last Modified: 04/07/2023

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Exit mobile version