Quantitative analysis
Categorical and block grants over twenty years
- Unit 1
- 4 points
- About 20 minutes
You read data in a table, graph or map, find a pattern or trend, draw a conclusion, and connect the data to a political principle, institution, process or behavior. On the exam: Question 2 of 4 in the free-response section (1 hour 40 minutes for all four, 50% of your score).
The question and its sources
Use the table to answer parts A, B, C, and D.
Federal Grants to State and Local Governments, by Type
| Year | Total federal grants (billions of dollars, adjusted for inflation) | Categorical grants (% of total) | Block grants (% of total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 300 | 88 | 12 |
| Year 5 | 340 | 84 | 16 |
| Year 10 | 410 | 80 | 20 |
| Year 15 | 470 | 85 | 15 |
| Year 20 | 560 | 89 | 11 |
Source: Hypothetical data
Suggested time: 20 minutes
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Part (a)
1 pointUsing the data in the table, identify the year in which block grants made up the largest share of federal grants.
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Part (b)
1 pointDescribe the trend in total federal grants shown in the table.
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Part (c)
1 pointDraw a conclusion about how the change in the mix of grant types from Year 10 to Year 20 affected state governments' flexibility in spending federal money.
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Part (d)
1 pointExplain why members of Congress might prefer to give money to states through categorical grants rather than block grants.
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