Which type of program requires state governments to spend their own money to meet standards imposed on them by the federal government?

Unfunded mandates

Explanation:

Unfunded mandates are orders (or mandates) established by the Federal Government, that oblige state governments to meet certain requirements, standards, and to fund specific programs, without giving federal funds.

In other words, an unfunded mandate is an order from the Federal Government, that has to be meet, but for which no Federal money is received.

The two most common examples of unfunded mandates are Medicaid and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1900.