Module 2

 

How do state and local governments differ from the federal government? Why do we have them? What kinds of authority is left to the state VS. the Federal government? Why do both the state and Federal levels of government sometimes fall short?

The state government has limited power to one area, this leaves them free to experiment with new laws or legislation to try out in their state. If they work out the federal government would make that a national policy. The local government is given power by the state government, and the citizens of that state play an important role in choosing its elected official. The federal government has the power to challenge any state if they create and use a law, they deem unconstitutional, which is then taken to the supreme court to decide the outcome of that law. The federal government has changed over the last couple of years, the federal government that we have now is a cooperative federalism. I believe that they’re have been variations on that cooperative federalism, today. The federal governments role is to make sure that all the states are function to the best of their ability, and if they fall short or there is an economic crisis the federal government will directly intervene. The issue with this is something or why it falls short is the lack of cooperation with another, as states disagree with the federal government’s decision or the amount of power that they have. This causes time and money to be lost on settling disputes on what is constitutional, and what laws are unconstitutional. Tying the hands of the states and local governments with federal mandates, limiting the amount innovative programs that the states can pursue.

Blog #2

 So, when I graduate and get my degree I am thinking about getting a master degree in museum studies. If something similar to that is available that would be great. I would be interested in doing some work for the LGBTQ+ community, or anything that would help shelter animals as well. There are food banks around my area that I wouldn't mind doing some work for. 

Blog entry #1

 I've decided to focus on focus question #1

1. In what ways have state and local governments changed over the last three decades?

Capitol ideas… local government willingness to try something new, in order to improve functions in our federal government. States & local governments were proactive and came up with experimental procedures, that created interesting/positive results in their local area or state. This has allowed some of the state government to be recognized by the federal government and allow them to have their autonomy back to some extent. Not all states face the same level of capacity. Furthermore, fiscal stress tested the ability of the most capable states to function effectively. State governments have ratified new constitutions or amended existing ones (¾ of the states). There have been many internal adjustments intended to improve the operations of state governments. The bureaucracy itself in local government represents the public (demographically). 

States have found a way to improve their revenue system by finding methods that work for them, like, South Carolina allows counties the option of providing property-tax relief to residents in exchange there would be an increase in local sales tax. States tinker with their revenue-raising schemes. Raising rainy days funds. State governments have taken new roles to fill in the gap of the national government. Solutions in local/state government spread rapidly to other states that see the benefits of adopting that specific policymaking. There has been an increased national-state conflict with one another, as state and local governments become more capable.