The conclusions of the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) concerning the effects of consolidating federal categorical aid programs into block grant programs are presented in this report. The block grants reviewed were established before 1981 under the Partnership for Health Act, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, the Community Development Block Grant program, and Title XX of the Social Security Act. The GAO found that accountability requirements and local autonomy under the grants varied but that the requirements tended to increase in number and complexity over time. Groups targeted for assistance under the earlier categorical programs tended to received comparable assistance under the block grants. Consolidation had mixed effects on administrative costs but further reductions in federal requirements could result in economy. Less program evaluation material has been available to Congress than under categorical programs, largely because many programs were made accountable at the state rather than the federal level. The GAO notes that these findings may not apply to newer block grant programs because of substantial changes in program structures and intentions. The reactions of other government agencies to the GAO conclusions are also provided. (PGD)