🗳️Honors US Government Unit 8 – State and Local Government

Key Concepts

• Federalism divides power between national and state governments, with states having reserved powers not granted to the federal government
• State governments are modeled after the federal government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches
• Local governments include counties, municipalities (cities and towns), and special districts that provide specific services
• States have the power to establish and oversee local governments within their borders
• State and local governments rely on a combination of taxes, fees, and federal grants to fund their operations and services
• Citizens can participate in state and local government through voting, attending meetings, contacting officials, and running for office
• Challenges facing state and local governments include budget constraints, infrastructure needs, education funding, and public safety concerns

Structure of State Governments

• State executive branch is headed by a governor who is elected by popular vote and serves as the chief executive officer
  • Governors have the power to sign or veto legislation, propose budgets, and appoint officials
  • Other elected executive officials may include lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state
• State legislative branch consists of a bicameral legislature (except Nebraska which has a unicameral legislature) with a Senate and House of Representatives
  • Legislators are elected from districts and are responsible for passing laws and budgets
  • Legislative sessions vary in length and frequency among states
• State judicial branch includes a state supreme court and lower courts that interpret state laws and constitutions
  • Judges may be elected or appointed depending on the state
  • State courts handle cases involving state laws, while federal courts handle cases involving federal laws or the U.S. Constitution

Local Government Types

• Counties are the largest local government units and provide services such as law enforcement, public health, and transportation
  • County governments are typically headed by an elected board of commissioners or supervisors
• Municipalities include cities and towns that provide services such as police and fire protection, parks and recreation, and public works
  • Municipal governments are typically headed by an elected mayor and city council
  • Some municipalities have a council-manager form of government where a professional city manager is appointed by the council
• Special districts are created to provide specific services such as education, water and sewer, or transportation
  • School districts are the most common type of special district and are governed by elected school boards
• Townships are smaller units of government found in some states that provide limited services such as road maintenance and public safety

State vs. Federal Powers

• The U.S. Constitution grants certain powers to the federal government (enumerated powers) and reserves other powers to the states (reserved powers)
• States have the power to establish and enforce laws related to education, criminal justice, public health, and transportation within their borders
• The federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce, national defense, foreign policy, and other matters of national concern
• The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution states that federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a conflict
• The 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
• Cooperative federalism involves the federal and state governments working together to address issues such as healthcare, education, and transportation
  • Federal grants to states often come with conditions or requirements for how the funds are used

Funding and Budgets

• State and local governments rely on a combination of taxes, fees, and federal grants to fund their operations and services
• Sales taxes, property taxes, and income taxes are the primary sources of revenue for state and local governments
  • Sales taxes are levied on the sale of goods and services and vary by state and locality
  • Property taxes are based on the value of real estate and are a major source of funding for local governments
  • Income taxes are levied on individual and corporate income and are a significant source of revenue for states
• User fees and charges for services such as parks, utilities, and licenses also generate revenue for state and local governments
• Federal grants provide funding for specific programs or projects and often come with conditions or requirements
• State and local governments must balance their budgets, meaning that revenues must equal or exceed expenditures
  • Budget shortfalls can lead to spending cuts, tax increases, or borrowing

Policy-making at State and Local Levels

• State legislatures pass laws and budgets that set policies and priorities for the state
  • Legislators often work with interest groups, constituents, and experts to develop policies
  • Governors can propose policies through their budget and legislative agenda
• Local governments make policies related to land use, public safety, and economic development
  • Zoning laws regulate how land can be used and developed
  • Local ordinances set rules for behavior and activities within the community
• State and local agencies implement policies and programs based on laws and budgets passed by the legislature
  • State departments of education oversee K-12 schools and set curriculum standards
  • Local police departments enforce laws and maintain public safety
• State and local governments can experiment with new policies and programs that may later be adopted at the national level
  • Welfare reform, environmental regulations, and healthcare expansions have started at the state level

Citizen Participation

• Voting is the most basic form of citizen participation in state and local government
  • Voters elect officials, approve or reject ballot measures, and can recall elected officials
  • Voter turnout tends to be lower in state and local elections compared to national elections
• Attending public meetings and hearings allows citizens to learn about and comment on proposed policies and projects
  • City council meetings, school board meetings, and planning commission hearings are examples of public meetings
• Contacting elected officials through phone calls, emails, or letters can influence policy decisions
  • Legislators often rely on constituent input to gauge public opinion on issues
• Joining interest groups or advocacy organizations can amplify citizen voices and influence policy-making
  • Groups focused on issues such as education, environment, or social justice can lobby officials and mobilize voters
• Running for office is the most direct way for citizens to shape state and local policies
  • School boards, city councils, and state legislatures are often entry points for citizen participation in government

Challenges and Current Issues

• Budget constraints and unfunded mandates from the federal government can strain state and local finances
  • Pension obligations, healthcare costs, and infrastructure needs can create long-term fiscal challenges
• Education funding and achievement gaps are persistent issues for states and school districts
  • Adequate and equitable funding for K-12 schools, especially in low-income areas, remains a challenge
  • College affordability and student loan debt are concerns for many students and families
• Infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, and public transportation, require significant investment and long-term planning
  • States and localities often struggle to fund maintenance and improvements to aging infrastructure
• Public safety concerns, such as crime, police-community relations, and emergency preparedness, are ongoing challenges
  • Balancing public safety with individual rights and community trust is a delicate task for law enforcement agencies
• Economic development and job creation are top priorities for many state and local governments
  • Attracting and retaining businesses, developing a skilled workforce, and promoting innovation are key strategies
• Environmental issues, such as climate change, water quality, and land conservation, require coordinated efforts at all levels of government
  • States and localities can implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural resources, and promote sustainable development