🦂Texas Government Unit 11 – Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Federalism in the US divides power between federal and state governments, balancing national unity with local autonomy. This system allows for diverse policies across states while maintaining a cohesive national framework for issues like defense and currency.
Texas exemplifies the complex dynamics of federalism, often challenging federal authority while relying on federal funding. The state's unique history and economic importance shape its approach to intergovernmental relations, influencing national politics and policy debates.
System of government where power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments (states, provinces)
In the US, federalism balances power between the federal government and the 50 state governments
Federal government has authority over issues that affect the entire country (national defense, foreign policy, currency)
States have authority over issues within their borders (education, law enforcement, infrastructure)
Federalism is based on the idea of shared sovereignty, where both levels of government have some independent powers
Allows for diversity and experimentation in policies across different states
Contrasts with unitary systems where the central government holds all power and local governments have limited authority (United Kingdom, France)
Historical Context of Federalism in the US
Federalism emerged as a compromise between those who wanted a strong central government and those who favored state sovereignty
The Constitution, ratified in 1788, established the federal system and divided powers between the national and state governments
Enumerated powers are specifically granted to the federal government (coining money, declaring war)
Reserved powers are held by the states (establishing local governments, regulating intrastate commerce)
The 10th Amendment further clarified that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people
Throughout US history, the balance of power between federal and state governments has shifted
Dual federalism (1790s-1930s) emphasized distinct spheres of authority for federal and state governments
Cooperative federalism (1930s-1970s) involved greater collaboration and overlap between levels of government, often through federal grants and programs
New federalism (1970s-present) has seen efforts to decentralize power and give states more autonomy in certain policy areas
Key Players in Intergovernmental Relations
Federal government agencies and departments (Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Education) implement policies and programs that affect states
State governments, led by governors and state legislatures, work with federal officials and agencies to shape policies and secure funding
Local governments (cities, counties) often rely on state and federal funding and must comply with regulations from higher levels of government
Intergovernmental organizations (National Governors Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors) allow officials from different levels of government to collaborate and advocate for shared interests
Interest groups and advocacy organizations (National Rifle Association, Sierra Club) seek to influence policies at multiple levels of government
Federal-State Power Dynamics
Supremacy Clause in the Constitution establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law when they conflict
States can challenge federal laws or actions through lawsuits, often arguing that the federal government has overstepped its constitutional authority
Example: Texas v. United States (2015), where Texas and other states challenged Obama administration's immigration policies
Federal government can incentivize state cooperation through grants and funding, which often come with conditions or requirements
Example: Federal highway funding can be withheld from states that do not set a minimum drinking age of 21
States can also influence federal policy through their congressional delegations and by experimenting with innovative policies that are later adopted at the national level
Example: Massachusetts' health care reform in 2006 served as a model for the Affordable Care Act
Texas and Federalism: A Unique Relationship
Texas has a strong tradition of state sovereignty and resistance to federal authority, rooted in its history as an independent republic
Texas Constitution, adopted in 1876, limits the power of state government and emphasizes individual rights and local control
Texas has often challenged federal policies and regulations, particularly in areas such as environmental protection and immigration
Example: Texas sued the EPA in 2010 over its regulation of greenhouse gas emissions
At the same time, Texas has relied on federal funding for various programs and infrastructure projects
Example: Federal funds account for about a third of Texas' annual budget
Texas' size and economic importance give it significant influence in national politics and intergovernmental relations
Funding and Fiscal Federalism
Fiscal federalism refers to the division of revenue sources and spending responsibilities between federal, state, and local governments
Federal government collects income, payroll, and corporate taxes, while states rely on sales and property taxes
Federal grants to states and localities help fund programs in areas like health care, education, and transportation
Categorical grants are restricted to specific purposes and often come with conditions (Medicaid, highway funding)
Block grants provide more flexibility in how funds are used (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Unfunded mandates are federal requirements that states must comply with, without providing additional funding
Example: Americans with Disabilities Act requires states to make public buildings accessible, but does not provide federal funds for renovations
Debates over funding formulas, spending priorities, and revenue sharing are a key aspect of intergovernmental relations
Current Challenges and Debates
Partisan polarization has made cooperation between federal and state governments more difficult, particularly when different parties control each level
Disputes over issues like immigration, health care, and environmental regulation have led to increased tensions and legal battles between states and the federal government
Example: Sanctuary cities, where local governments limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities
Rising costs for programs like Medicaid and infrastructure have strained state budgets and led to calls for greater federal assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of intergovernmental coordination in responding to public health and economic crises
Federal government provided aid to states through the CARES Act and other relief packages
States and localities implemented varying policies on mask mandates, business closures, and vaccine distribution
Real-World Examples and Case Studies
No Child Left Behind Act (2001) required states to implement standardized testing and school accountability measures in exchange for federal education funding
Criticized by some as an overreach of federal authority into traditionally state-controlled education policy
Affordable Care Act (2010) sought to expand health insurance coverage through a combination of federal regulations, subsidies, and state-run marketplaces
Some states, including Texas, chose not to establish their own marketplaces or expand Medicaid eligibility
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, implemented by the Obama administration in 2012, granted temporary legal status to certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children
Texas led a lawsuit challenging the program, arguing that it exceeded the president's constitutional authority
Flint, Michigan water crisis (2014-2019) involved failures at multiple levels of government to ensure safe drinking water for residents
Highlighted the importance of intergovernmental cooperation and oversight in protecting public health and safety