Layers of Authority: Federal, State & Local Government
Federal, State, and Local Government examines the different levels of government in the United States and their respective responsibilities, illustrating how power is distributed in a federal system. It explores the roles of the federal government in national affairs, states in regional governance, and local entities in community services, ensuring a balanced approach to meeting citizens’ needs across the country.
Components of Federal, State & Local Government
This section breaks down the key levels of government and their primary duties:
- Federal Government: Manages national affairs, including defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce.
- State Government: Oversees regional matters like education, transportation, and state laws.
- Local Government: Handles community-level services such as police, schools, and local infrastructure.
- Division of Powers: The distribution of responsibilities between levels, as outlined by the Constitution.
Examples of Federal, State & Local Government
Federal Government Examples
- The U.S. Department of Defense manages military operations, like deploying troops overseas.
- The federal government regulates interstate commerce, such as overseeing the Federal Aviation Administration for air travel.
- Social Security, a federal program, provides retirement benefits to millions of Americans.
State Government Examples
- California’s state government sets education standards, funding public schools like those in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
- Texas maintains its highway system, with the Texas Department of Transportation managing over 80,000 miles of roads.
- Florida’s state legislature passes laws on voting, such as its 2021 election reform bill.
Local Government Examples
- New York City’s local government operates the NYPD, providing police services to its 8 million residents.
- The city of Seattle runs public schools, like West Seattle High School, serving local students.
- Chicago’s local government manages public transit, with the CTA operating buses and trains.
Division of Powers Examples
- The U.S. Constitution grants the federal government the power to declare war, while states cannot.
- States issue driver’s licenses, a power reserved to them, not the federal government.
- Local governments levy property taxes to fund services like parks, a responsibility not held by federal or state levels.