Final answer:
A new period of cooperative federalism reflects integrated and interdependent relations between national and state governments, symbolized as marble cake federalism and characterized by a blending of concurrent powers and increased federal influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
A new period of cooperative federalism in the mid-twentieth century accurately reflects relationships between levels of government that are integrated and interdependent. During this era, both the national and state governments worked together to solve issues such as the Great Depression and the civil rights movements. This model is often contrasted with dual federalism, which maintained distinct jurisdictional boundaries between state and federal powers.
The cooperative approach is compared to a marble cake, representing the blend of governmental layers and the erosion of these rigid boundaries, signaling a move toward shared or concurrent powers. It led to a nationalization of politics, an increase in federal grants to state and local authorities, and a rise in federal influence within concurrent policy areas and social welfare programs. The New Federalism era sought to reverse this centralization, aiming to return authority to the states and promote administrative efficiency.