14: State and Local Government
- Page ID
- 284324
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 14.0: Introduction
- This page discusses the 2015 protests in Arizona against education funding cuts, underscoring the critical role of state and local governments in daily life. It highlights their influence on essential services like education and infrastructure, examines their authority and decision-making processes, and addresses the tensions between local and national policies. The chapter also explores the unique powers of mayors and governors in shaping the lives of citizens.
- 14.1: State Power and Delegation
- This page discusses the expansion of federal powers in response to economic crises, notably under Presidents Roosevelt and Johnson, leading to ongoing debates about state versus national authority. It highlights states gaining discretion, particularly after welfare reforms, while still facing federal influence through funding. The case of Detroit's bankruptcy illustrates municipal challenges in meeting obligations under state-imposed revenue limits.
- 14.2: State Political Culture
- This page examines U.S. political cultures, particularly traditionalistic views that emphasize preserving the status quo and support government actions favoring elites. It notes the disengagement of citizens from politics and lower voter participation in the South, linked to socioeconomic challenges and historical reliance on slavery.
- 14.3: Governors and State Legislatures
- This page outlines the significant role of governors and state legislatures in shaping policy and governance. Governors have substantial formal powers, including budget control and legislative influence, which can be enhanced by specific veto powers. State legislators work within committees, facing challenges in advancing bills and representing diverse interests. The dynamics of party control impact legislative agendas and the representation of minority voices.
- 14.4: State Legislative Term Limits
- This page examines state legislative term limits, tracing their introduction in the 1990s and the ongoing debates about their pros and cons. Supporters argue that term limits promote diversity and new ideas, whereas opponents claim they diminish legislative expertise and increase lobbyist influence. Some states have repealed term limits due to constitutional issues, contributing to continued advocacy on both sides of the issue.
- 14.5: County and City Government
- This page outlines the structure and functions of county and municipal governments in the U.S. County governments operate as administrative units under state authority with three main types: commission, council-administrator, and council-elected executive. They manage services such as infrastructure funded by taxes and grants.
- 14.6: Key Terms
- This page covers political concepts and governance structures at state and local levels, including terms like "amendatory veto" and different government systems such as "council-manager" and "mayor-council." It discusses legislator roles, including "delegate" and "trustee," and outlines legal principles like "Dillon's Rule." Additionally, it defines political cultures (individualistic, moralistic, traditionalistic) and terms related to legislative term limits and veto powers.
- 14.7: Summary
- This page discusses U.S. state power and governance, focusing on the federal-state balance established by the Constitution and fiscal policy. It examines Daniel Elazar's theory of state political culture (individualistic, moralistic, traditionalistic), alongside criticisms of this model.
- 14.8: Review Questions
- This page explores various aspects of U.S. state and local government structures and political culture, including grant types, the Tenth Amendment, political cultures, voting processes, legislative structures, term limits, and county governance. It emphasizes understanding the roles of government entities, the effects of term limits on representation, and the relationship between citizens and elected officials.
- 14.9: Critical Thinking Questions
- This page poses questions about the advantages and disadvantages of multiple subnational government levels in the U.S., personal involvement in substate governance, the role of state legislators, and the implications of term limits. It invites readers to explore these topics through discussion rather than supplying specific answers, fostering an examination of governance, civic participation, representation, and political dynamics.
- 14.10: Suggestions for Further Study
- This page provides resources on state and local governance in the U.S., highlighting publications by authors like Daniel Elazar and Alan Rosenthal, along with websites from organizations such as the National Association of Counties and the National Governors Association. Topics covered include federalism, the functions of governors and state legislatures, and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.