The fact that Congress had to take an indirect route in getting states to pass a drinking age of twenty-one best illustrates the principle of coercive federalism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coercive federalism is when the federal government uses incentives or sanctions to coerce states into complying with federal policies. In this case, Congress used the threat of withholding highway funds to encourage states to raise the drinking age to twenty-one, rather than directly mandating it.

The Fact That Congress Had to Take an Indirect Route