ABSTRACT
The role of the federal government in the financing of American education has historically been a subject of considerable controversy. Many believe that the federal government has a special responsibility for education that emanates from a national interest in the general welfare, and that this responsibility requires substantial federal financial commitment. Others maintain that the nature of American federalism places little financial reasonability for education on the central government. Still others are of the opinion that the federal government should provide funding only as a stimulus for change and innovation or to deal with educational needs that are of particular national interest. The issue of federal aid is further complicated by strong lobbies representing other interests that traditionally have had difficulty in accepting the political philosophy that supports public schools. To this state of affairs can be added the marketplace enthusiasts who believe that most good in society derives from competition and that it is not necessary for the federal government to fund public elementary and secondary education at any appreciable magnitude so long as the federal government creates schemes of organization and finance that enhance competition among schools, parents, and students. Any consideration of federal aid to public elementary and secondary schools must recognize and fashion political accommodations for these varied interests. Further discussion of the various interests and views toward public schools is contained in Chapter 6, the politics chapter of this book.
