Final answer:
Federally funded programs were underfunded due to factors such as budget deficits from tax cuts, military spending, recession impacts on state and local budgets, and ideological shifts that prioritized other areas like prisons and highway funding. Insufficient federal funding and unrealistic education program enforcement contributed to the underfunding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several federally funded programs, particularly in the arts, humanities, and welfare, were severely underfunded due to a confluence of factors. Economic factors such as tax cuts and increased military spending during the Bush administration led to budget deficits, which, in turn, led to underfunding of certain domestic programs. Moreover, during a recession, state and local government budgets were strained, resulting in further reductions in spending and support for these programs.
Another aspect to consider is the ideological shift and emphasis on different priorities. Programs such as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) faced cuts, while there was a significant allocation toward federal programs that did not directly contribute to alleviating poverty in urban communities, for example, funding for prisons and highway infrastructure. Additionally, political strategies may have included proposing legislation on socially conservative issues to garner voter support rather than with the intention of actual implementation.
Education programs specifically suffered due to unrealistic requirements and insufficient enforcement, such as the mandate for a 'highly qualified' teacher in every classroom, resulting in only a small percentage of eligible students receiving free tutoring. Funding challenges were exacerbated by the fact that federal funding often fell short of what was authorized by Congress, contributing to underfunded programs across various sectors.