Blog Topic #2

Why is there tension between the state and local levels of government?
The relationship between state and local governments is strained because state governments give local governments life although the states government hasn't always treated their local governments nicely. State governments tend to see local governments just as special interest groups. The State government needs to stop belittling them and start embracing them as partners in our federal system. Local governments want their states to provide them with adequate funding in order to accomplish what they need to.  One major issue is power. State governments have the power to regulate  financials, personnel, structure, processes, functioning, and service standards. Although some local governments have the power to decide some of these things from them selves, most of the time the State government makes these decisions which I feel is infuriating. The state has so much power yet they don't truly know what each individual government has to deal with. Money seems to be a big problem between these two since the State controls it and the local governments have to pretty much hope they get enough. Local governments have to deal with the rising expenditure demands from their residents. Personally, I think the main source of tension is power. I think Local governments get tired of state's government deciding what's best for them when they don't know the everyday struggles or needs of their residents.

In what ways is this tension healthy for our political system overall?
I think the tension between the state and local governments is healthy for our political system overall. It creates an environment where local governments need to really get to know their residents and what they need/require from the government. If they know what the residents really want/need, then they would fight for it from the states. Also, this tension enables them to find resolution that keeps everyone happy. I think the tension is a great way for these governments to communicate and to try and fight for what's best for their residents.