Blog #1

There is tension between state and local governments because of the state's attitude and treatment of local governments. The authors of the textbook end the introduction on page 234 by writing that states consider local governments "as just another special interest group" (234) rather than "treating them as partners in our federal system." (234) The states operate within a unitary system, placing states in a superior position with ultimate authority over local governments. Therefore, it is up to the states to decide how much power they are willing to devolve to localities, which is second-order devolution. This power dynamic causes tension between these different levels of government.

However, this tension can be healthy for our overall political system. For example, there is a constant dialogue between local jurisdiction and states especially "over financial matters." (240) Also, regional relationships between local governments may be strengthened when they feel the state is not actively finding solutions to issues. This regional coordination is exemplified by Councils of governments, abbreviated as COGs, that "provide a neutral forum in which local leaders can come together to identify and discuss issues of common concern." (250) Although they are not overwhelmingly successful, they have actualized "the concept of area wide policy... and expanded operational capacity of rural local governments." (250) State and local governments may have a tenuous relationship at times, but they have the ability to remain functional as oppose to the Federal government, which is currently shutdown.