State and Local Relations

There is tension between the state and local levels of government because the state gives their local governments different types of authority. This causes some of the local governments to turn to legislature for approval to act which hinders their ability to rule. Local governments want their states to provide them with adequate funding and ample discretion. Also state and local governments don't necessarily agree on mandates. States believe that mandates are necessary to ensure that vital activities are performed and desirable goals are achieved. On the other hand local governments don't necessarily disagree with them, but they feel like they aren't needed for every aspect of policies. State and local governments also bump heads when it comes to money. The local governments will always within the constraints of their state governments on this matter, so it causes a lot of tension. The local governments want more money and more control over how it is being spent. This tension is healthy for our political system overall because it is subject to constant adjustment. Some issues or problems require a statewide, uniform response, while others are particular concern of a single local jurisdiction. The tension keeps the governments working. "There needs to be a state coordinating mechanism, but it needs to be sensitive to the local context"(pg. 252).