State and Local Politics exam 1

What legal issue is happening between Texas and California?

Gerrymandering—Texas is accused of manipulating district boundaries.

What is gerrymandering and why is it controversial?

It's the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor one party, often leading to unfair representation.

What recent action did Trump take involving the Federal Reserve?

He attempted to fire a Federal Reserve Governor.

What is the Federal Reserve and why is its independence important

It's the central bank of the U.S.; independence ensures decisions aren't politically influenced.

What are some key responsibilities of state and local governments?

Road maintenance, policing, fire services, education, tax collection, utilities, criminal law.

Can you name others beyond those listed?

Yes—public health, housing, transportation, and environmental regulation.

What is the comparative method in political science?

It's comparing state/local governments to understand governance differences.

What are some variables used in the comparative method?

Sociodemographics, political culture, economics, geography, and topography.

Sociodemographics, political culture, economics, geography, and topography.

California is diverse with 14% poverty; New Hampshire is predominantly white with 7% poverty.

Why do sociodemographics matter in governance?

They influence policy needs, representation, and resource allocation.

What are Elazar's three types of political culture?

Moralistic, Individualistic, Traditionalistic.

Describe Individualistic culture.

Politics is like a marketplace; more corruption, less civic engagement.

Describe Moralistic culture.

Politics aims to create a good society; high participation and innovation.

Describe Traditionalistic culture.

Politics is for elites; conservative, often rural and Southern.

How does per capita income affect state services?

Wealthier states can provide more services; poorer states may struggle.

What's an example of economic disparity?

California vs. Mississippi—different capacities to fund education, healthcare, etc.

How does geography affect governance?

Urban vs. rural areas face different challenges—e.g., school access, transportation, healthcare.

Example comparison?

New York (urban) vs. Montana (rural)—different needs and infrastructure.

How does the size of government workforce compare?

Federal: ~2.7 million; State/Local: ~19 million.

How do expenditures compare?

Roughly equal—each around $3.5 trillion.

What does "laboratories of democracy" mean?

States can experiment with policies before they're adopted federally.

How has power shifted between federal and state governments?

Since the 1960s, more power to states—except during crises like the Great Recession and COVID.

What external factors influence state authority?

U.S. Constitution, federal laws, economic conditions.

What internal factors influence state authority?

Wealth, political system, interest groups, ideology, public opinion, judicial professionalism.

What's the difference between professional and unprofessional legislatures?

Professional (e.g., CA) are full-time with staff; unprofessional (e.g., TX) are part-time with limited resources.

What is federalism?

A political system where national and regional governments share power and are considered independent equals.

Which countries use federalism?

U.S., Germany, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Canada.

Why is marijuana policy a good example of federalism?

States may legalize it, but the federal government can still enforce national laws, creating tension between levels of government.

What is a unitary system?

Power is concentrated in a single national government (e.g., United Kingdom).

What is a confederacy?

A loose association of sovereign states; central government depends on regional governments (e.g., Articles of Confederation).

Why did the U.S. adopt federalism?

Post-Revolution debt, weak central government under the Articles, and events like Shay's Rebellion showed the need for stronger national authority.

What are the advantages of federalism?

Closer government to the people, reduced conflict, flexibility, policy experimentation, easier implementation of national goals.

What are the disadvantages of federalism?

Complexity, confusion, accountability issues, policy coordination challenges, inequality in services.

Example of conflict due to federalism?

Border clash between Governor Abbott and President Biden.

Example of accountability issue?

Multiple law enforcement agencies at the Uvalde school shooting.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Constitution is the supreme law of the land, Federal law overrides state law.

What are exclusive powers?

Powers only the federal government can exercise (e.g., declare war, regulate commerce).

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., tax, borrow, spend).

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary (e.g., via the Necessary and Proper Clause).

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

States must honor each other's laws and contracts (e.g., marriages, wills).

What is the Privileges and Immunities Clause?

States cannot discriminate against citizens of other states.

What is a major criticism of the Electoral College?

It can elect a president who didn't win the popular vote.

How many times has this happened?

Five times: 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, 2016.

Why was the Bill of Rights added?

To address Anti-Federalist concerns and limit federal power.

What does the 10th Amendment say?

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for states or the people.

What does the 14th Amendment guarantee?

Due process and equal protection under the law for all citizens.

What is Dual Federalism (1789-1933)?

Clear separation of powers; states held supremacy.

What was the Dredd Scott decision?

Supreme Court ruled federal government couldn't regulate slavery; Scott remained a slave.

What is Cooperative Federalism (1933-1964)?

Federal and state governments collaborated (e.g., infrastructure, education).

What triggered Cooperative Federalism?

16th Amendment, World Wars, Great Depression, New Deal.

What is Centralized Federalism (1964-1980)?

Federal dominance through categorical grants and mandates (e.g., Civil Rights Act).

: What is New Federalism (1980-2002)?

Reagan's push to return power to states; reduced mandates.

What is Ad Hoc Federalism (2002-present)?

No clear philosophy; federal actions driven by partisanship (e.g., No Child Left Behind).

What legal action did the 5th Circuit reject involving Trump?

His use of the Alien Enemies Act (1798) to deport Tren de Aragua of Venezuela.

What are the main purposes of state constitutions?

To define roles, responsibilities, institutional structure, and procedures for governing institutions.

What do most state constitutions include?

Three branches of government and a Bill of Rights-like section.

How do powers differ between federal and state constitutions?

Federal powers are limited; state powers are plenary under the 10th Amendment

How does permanence differ?

Federal Constitution is centuries old with 27 amendments; state constitutions are often replaced every 70 years.

How does word length compare?

Federal: ~7,400 words; State average: ~26,000 words; Alabama: 310,000 words.

What about specificity and democracy?

State constitutions are more policy-specific and allow direct democracy (e.g., CA, TX).

How do finances differ?

Federal government can run deficits; 49 states require balanced budgets (except Vermont).

What were colonial governments based on?

Charters from the King of England.

What changed post-Revolution?

States rewrote charters, removed the King, added Bills of Rights, and empowered legislatures.

What were key features of early state constitutions?

Bicameral legislatures, no judicial review, restricted franchise.

How did the franchise evolve?

Gradually expanded—minorities post-Civil War, women in 1921, broader civil rights in 1965.

What are common amendment methods?

Legislative proposals, ballot initiatives, referenda.

What are the steps for ballot initiatives?

Submit text, gather signatures (5-15%), verify, then vote.

What are rare methods of amendment?

Constitutional conventions and revision commissions (e.g., FL, UT).

What are consequences of electing judges?

Potential politicization and accountability issues.

What about governor veto power?

Varies by state and can affect legislative dynamics

How is power distributed in Texas?

Lieutenant Governor holds significant power—presides over Senate, assigns bills, chairs Legislative Council.

: What is the minimum rights standard in state constitutions?

The Federal Constitution.