What does cooperative federalism emphasize?

Cooperative federalism emphasizes the collaboration among national, state, and local governments. This concept highlights how different levels of government work together to solve common problems and deliver public services. In cooperative federalism, responsibilities and powers are intertwined, with the federal government and state governments sharing authority over various policy areas. This approach acknowledges that both levels of government can address issues more effectively through cooperation rather than competition or isolation. For example, programs like Medicaid involve both federal funding and state administration, illustrating how cooperation is essential for achieving policy goals that benefit citizens.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of cooperative federalism. The emphasis on independence of state governments suggests a more dualistic relationship, while competition between federal and state laws indicates a conflict that cooperative federalism seeks to avoid. The notion of complete federal control contrasts with cooperative federalism's central principle of shared authority and collaboration.