Final answer:
Coercive federalism involves the federal government using financial influence, such as unfunded mandates, to control state and local governments, often leading to strained relations as national priorities are advanced at the states' expense.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coercive federalism is a form of federalism where the federal government uses financial means such as grants and mandates to exert control over state and local governments. This concept highlights the contrast with new federalism, which aims to give states more autonomy and flexibility. Despite the intent of new federalism, the federal government often resorts to unfunded mandates, compelling states to fulfill national priorities without providing the necessary funding, to cut federal spending yet accomplish national goals.
The use of unfunded mandates exemplifies coercive federalism, as states bear most of the cost burden. These mandates serve as a "stick" in the carrot-and-stick approach to federal-state relations. This strategy also leads to confrontational interactions between different government levels, as states are forced to implement federal directives without adequate financial support—a situation that is attractive to lawmakers who seek to reduce federal expenditures.
While cooperative federalism saw a blending of responsibilities and cooperative action—in contrast to the segmented responsibilities of dual federalism—coercive federalism represents a more forceful approach to achieving federal objectives. It tends to undermine the collaborative spirit of cooperative federalism and reflects a federal inclination to prioritize national policy over state flexibility.