The Grants Spectrum — Categorical to Block¶
Learning Objective¶
Students will compare and contrast (Bloom L4 — Analyze) categorical grants and block grants, and evaluate (Bloom L5 — Evaluate) the trade-offs between federal accountability and state flexibility.
- Bloom Level: Evaluate (L5)
- Bloom Verb: Compare, Evaluate
- Library: p5.js
Specification¶
The full specification below is extracted from Chapter 3: "Chapter 3: Federalism and Federal Powers".
Type: interactive infographic
**sim-id:** grants-spectrum-slider<br/>
**Library:** p5.js<br/>
**Status:** Specified
**Learning objective:** Students will *compare and contrast* (Bloom L4 — Analyze) categorical grants and block grants, and *evaluate* (Bloom L5 — Evaluate) the trade-offs between federal accountability and state flexibility.
**Design:**
- A horizontal slider labeled "Federal Control ←→ State Flexibility"
- Left anchor: "Categorical Grant" (high federal control, low state flexibility)
- Right anchor: "Block Grant" (low federal control, high state flexibility)
- As the user moves the slider, two panels update simultaneously:
- Left panel: "Federal Government Perspective" — describes what changes (more/less accountability, more/less ability to ensure national standards)
- Right panel: "State Government Perspective" — describes what changes (more/less freedom to innovate, more/less administrative burden)
- Three preset examples appear as clickable buttons above the slider: "Medicaid" (near categorical), "TANF" (block), "Highway Funds" (conditional categorical — move slider to that position when clicked)
- Below the slider: "Key AP Fact: Congress determines grant type when it appropriates funds. Presidents can advocate for a shift, but Congress must pass the legislation."
- Canvas: 100% width × 400px; responsive