What is cooperative federalism?

Cooperative federalism refers to a model of governance in which national, state, and local governments collaborate and share responsibilities to address various issues. This approach emphasizes intergovernmental relationships, where different levels of government come together to create policies and programs that are more effective than if each level acted independently.

The essence of cooperative federalism lies in the idea that complex societal challenges—such as education, transportation, healthcare, and disaster response—require the resources and expertise of multiple governmental layers. For example, federal funding for education may be allocated but administered at the state or local level, necessitating cooperation among different government entities.

This contrasts sharply with models where governments operate in isolation or with complete independence. Such modes of governance would hinder the collective ability to tackle larger problems that spill across jurisdictional lines, ultimately preventing the efficient delivery of services and public benefits.