Blog Topic #2

Why is there tension between the state and local levels of government? In what ways is this tension healthy for our political systems overall?

There are many differences between the local and state governments; differences that cause a great amount of tension among the two. Starting from the year 1868, the creation of Dillion's Rule limited the power of local governments to those rights granted to them by the state or closely linked expressed powers (Bowman, Ann O'm and Richard C. Kearney 234). This rule set the stage for the type of relationship between local and state governments. The states have often attempted to limit the power of local governments because they want to retain the central power. The amount of power local governments are given is determined by the state and whether or not it wants to be conservative with their power. Some states make the decision of limiting the local governments power because they do not want to be over powered by a local government.

Local governments are allowed to create their own ordinance, which enables them to have their own set of laws; for example having different building codes (Bowman, Ann O'm and Richard C. Kearney 235). Many local governments hold on tightly to their home rule because it is a way to be in charge of their own affairs but are still subjected to state oversight. A way in which the state government reminds their local governments that they still are the ultimate authority, is by deciding to use the states funds to help with a national issue. The state can also issue state mandates. State mandates are often used by the state government to require local governments to implement a policy. States find these mandates necessary in order to ensure that goals are being met and vital activities are being fulfilled (Bowman, Ann O'm and Richard C. Kearney 238). States feel that mandates promote uniformity of policy and coordination. Although mandates must be implemented, local governments have adopted mandate reimbursement requirements, which require the state to reimburse local governments for the cost of state mandates or provided adequate revenue (Bowman, Ann O'm and Richard C. Kearney 238). Funding allocations are among the top reasons why state and local governments have issues. Local governments want to be given access to more money and the freedom to control how the money is spent with independence to raise it.

Tensions among state and local governments does not always have negative results. Tension among state and local governments can result in constructive problem solving and compromises. When issues arise state and local governments have the obligation to work with one another to come up with a compromise that will be beneficial to the state as a whole and its communities. Its healthy to have tension because it reveals issues that need to be addressed instead of individual local governments attempting to address them on their own.



Bibliography

Bowman, Ann O'm and Richard C. Kearney. State and Local Government The Essentials. 3rd ed. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012, 2009. 233-253. Print.