layer-cake federalism

Definitions

Noun. [B2]

Examples

“The official, Jonathan Lindley, explained that in old, “layer-cake federalism” Government agencies channeling money to the states were stacked one on the other like⟳ the layers of a cake.”

“The classical view⟳ of layer-cake federalism presumed that each level of government specialized by function.”

“Think⟳ about it: It takes extraordinarily less effort to say⟳ Fair Share⟳ would force⟳ you into a union, force⟳ you to pay⟳ dues or use⟳ those dues for political activities, than it does to be on the defending side arguing the nuances of what collective bargaining and layer-cake federalism mean⟳ to average voters.”

“An example of layer-cake federalism is recreation programs such as athletics or instructional programs.”

“Still, the ideals of layer-cake federalism and institutional congruity retain⟳ their initial appeal, promising democratic accountability, allocative efficiency and transparency for the citizens. Is the real-life marble-cake federalism thus just a second-best solution to the non-attainable ideal of layer-cake federalism?”

CEFR level