Texas Government

🦂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.

What is Federalism?

  • 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


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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