Which type of grant was consolidated and given to states with few strings attached during the Reagan Administration?

During the Reagan Administration, block grants were introduced as a way to consolidate federal funding and provide states with greater flexibility in how they use these funds. Block grants are designed to support broad policy areas, such as education, healthcare, or social services, rather than specific programs. This structure came with fewer federal requirements or "strings attached," allowing states more autonomy in deciding how to allocate the funds to address their individual needs.

This shift was part of Reagan's broader agenda to reduce the size and influence of the federal government, empowering states to make choices that best reflected their unique circumstances. The design of block grants contrasts significantly with categorical grants, which are provided for specific purposes and often come with stringent federal guidelines and requirements for how the money must be spent. In summary, the introduction of block grants represented a significant change in the relationship between federal and state governments, emphasizing state control and flexibility in funding allocation.