Question

Libertarians and conservatives were strong critics of many aspects of LBJ's Great Society programs. Why did they think the federal government's activities during this period was better described as coercive federalism" than "cooperative federalism"? What did this critique have to do with "unfunded mandates"?

Answer 1

Conservatives and Libertarians opposed the Great Society’s program because they believed they surpassed the powers of the federal government which could be considered coercive federalism since the Federal government dictated the policy instead of working as equals with the State governments. Conservatives and Libertarians believed that the Framers designed the Constitution and the Federalist system to be cooperative federalism.