Unfunded Mandate
A regulation that requires government to perform action, with no money provided
Real World Example
During the period of Conservatism from 1980 to 1993, particularly under President Ronald Reagan, unfunded mandates became a significant issue as the federal government required states to implement certain policies without providing the necessary funding. This caused tension because states had to find ways to pay for these mandates, often leading to budget cuts in other areas or increased taxes. The concept responded to the idea of reducing federal government size and spending, shifting more responsibility onto states. Today, unfunded mandates still impact communities by straining local budgets, as seen when schools are required to meet federal education standards without additional funding. This can lead to fewer resources for students or increased local taxes to cover the costs, directly affecting families and educators.
