Final answer:
The type of federalism where the national government makes policies and directs states to implement them in a specific manner is often referred to as coercive federalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
This concept falls under the broader category of Fiscal Federalism, which relies on the use of federal funding to influence or control state behavior. This is seen through the distribution of categorical grants and the attachment of certain conditions ('strings') to these funds. If states fail to comply with the mandates or conditions set forth, they risk losing federal funds or facing other forms of financial punishment.
An example of coercive federalism is the standardization of driving laws across states. All states are required to adhere to a .08 blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers or face the possibility of losing federal highway funds. Coercive federalism is a way for the national government to achieve uniformity in certain regulatory areas, despite the decentralized nature of the United States' system of federalism.