Which of the following best describes FDR's New Deal in the context of federalism?

FDR's New Deal is best described as an example of cooperative "marble cake" federalism because it represented a significant shift in the relationship between the federal and state governments. During this period, the federal government took a more active role in addressing economic challenges and social issues, leading to a blending of responsibilities between the two levels of government.

This cooperative approach involved collaboration where both state and federal governments worked together on various programs and initiatives aimed at economic recovery and social welfare. For instance, many New Deal programs provided federal funding to states, which were then responsible for implementing the initiatives within their jurisdictions. This intermingling of state and federal responsibilities contrasted sharply with the more rigid, clear-cut division of powers characteristic of dual federalism. In dual federalism, each level of government would operate independently within its own realm, without the overlapping functions that became the hallmark of the New Deal era.

This shift not only changed how federalism functioned in practice but also expanded the powers of the federal government in ways that had not been seen before, laying the groundwork for future federal involvement in a wide range of policy areas.