American Intergovernmental System
What is Federalism
O’Toole and Christensen (2013, p.3) define federalism as a system of authority
constitutionally apportioned between central and regional governments. In the American
system, the primary or national government is often called the federal government, the
provincial governments of states. The federal-state relationship is interdependent: neither can
abolish the other, and each must deal with the other.
On the other hand, Scaliger (2016) supports the notion that we all know that our
national government - the one headquartered in Washington, D.C. - is called the “federal
government.” The word “federal,” as well as it is equivalent in other languages, is also used
to describe certain other national governments, such as Mexico’s, and words such as
“federation” and “confederacy” are related to it. Nevertheless, what does the term “federal”
mean? The word federal comes from the Latin foedus, meaning “covenant,” and denotes a
form of government that, if not wholly invented by America’s Founders, was undoubtedly
perfected by them and applied to the governance of a much larger territory than anyone else
had ever managed. The proper name for the methodology of creating and sustaining a
“federal” government is “federalism.” Moreover, many historians and students of political
philosophy believe federalism to be among the greatest of all the American Founders’
contributions to civilization.
Furthermore, Scaliger (2016) suggests that the federal government, for this reason,
exists entirely by the states' license, and its powers are derived from theirs and not the
reverse. However, this remains in stark contrast with most other national governments,
wherein states, provinces, departments, oblasts, or other political subdivisions tend to be
created by a pre-existing strong central government. Scaliger (2016) further implies that
much of this has taken place, not because the states have permitted the federal government to
seize existing legal authority from the states, but because the federal government has been
allowed to usurp power where none has been enumerated in the Constitution; and then claim
that states are subordinate in the exercise of such powers.
Today, the system of federalism has been all but abandoned by the federal government.
Notably, most Americans believe that all government authority comes from Washington,
trickling down by the consent of elected national rulers to state and local governments.
Intergovernmental Theory
O’Toole and Christensen (2013, p.33) suggest that there have been attempts to
describe and explain intergovernmental systems in the field of intergovernmental relations
despite attempts to persuade others that certain forms of intergovernmental relations are
preferable. In other words, many intergovernmental theories have both empirical and
normative concepts.
Intergovernmental Models
Agranoff and Radin's (2015) research points to Deil Wright’s three models of
intergovernmental relations (IGR). Two of the models were very familiar to scholars in the
field. The coordinate authority model depicted the clear separation between national and
state/local relationships and the distinct boundaries separating the levels of government. The
inclusive authority model, by contrast, presented a system in which IGRs were based on
essentially a hierarchical set of relationships and emphasized the predominant role of the
national level. Nevertheless, the overlapping authority model—the third model that Wright
presented in that book and its succeeding two editions—was essentially a new way of
depicting intergovernmental relationships.
Furthermore, in the coordinate-authority model of intergovernmental relations, sharp,
distinct boundaries separate the national government and state governments. Local elements,
however, are included within and are dependent on state governments (O’Toole and
Christensen, 2013, p.47).
O’Toole and Christensen (2013, p.53) suggest that the inclusive-authority model
serves other than allowing predictions of intergovernmental relations. The inclusive model
also conveys the essentially hierarchical nature of authority. However, Davidson (2019)
indicates that localism, the discourse of local legal power and state-local relations, has
returned to the center of national attention, driven by gridlock at the federal level and sharply
rising political and cultural conflicts between cities and states. Until now, states have
aggressively sought to constrain, eliminate, and even criminalize local policy discretion
across various policy domains. Cities and their advocates have just as aggressively fought
back--in litigation, in the political arena, and popular discourse.
According to O’Toole and Christensen (2013, p.57), the overlapping model is the
most used intergovernmental relations practice in the United States. There are three
significate characteristics of the overlapping model include but are not limited to the
following: involves all levels of governmental operations simultaneously; areas of autonomy
or single jurisdiction independence; and the power and influence available to anyone
jurisdiction is significantly limited (p.57). In addition, Agranoff and Radin (2015) point out
that it provides the conceptual basis for moving beyond static views of IGR and federalism
that pose the field as an either/or situation. It forces us to consider differences in program area
relationships, states, and state and local relationships. It seems much more consistent with the
dynamism and complexity of the U.S. system of shared powers than either of the other two
views.
Which model best represents the American Intergovernmental System?
As mentioned above, O’Toole and Christensen (2013) point to the overlapping model
as the best model representing the American Intergovernmental System. Notably, overlapping
authority traditionally involves extensive negotiation and bargaining. [Again, there are three
significate characteristics of the overlapping model include but are not limited to the
following: involves all levels of governmental operations simultaneously; areas of autonomy
or single jurisdiction independence; and the power and influence available to anyone
jurisdiction is significantly limited (p.57).]
[Agranoff and Radin (2015) suggest that Wright's depiction of the overlapping model
can be understood within the background of this historical development. However, in the
years that have elapsed, programs and policies that reflect the overlapping model illustrate
several additional characteristics. They have created patterns that indicate fundamental
differences among and between states. These include different roles of specialized agencies in
states and localities in dealing with the federal government, particularly differences between
technical agencies and general-purpose government.
Firstly, The diversity of responses that illustrate the overlapping authority model can
be seen in many current policies and program areas. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP)—formerly known as Food Stamps—provides federal money through state-
operated programs. Secondly, Another program that illustrates overlapping authority
relationships is the National Network of Fusion Centers (Regan and Monahan 2014). The
effort is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Created between 2003 and
2006, these centers are designed to promote information sharing at the federal level between
several federal agencies and state- and local-level agencies. Thirdly, The Help America Vote
Act (HAVA) was passed by Congress in 2002 and instituted sweeping new national standards
with new funding that regulated some features of state and local election processes. This
legislation followed the 2000 Florida election crisis and attempted to establish a federal role
in this policy area. Despite this, states retain substantial discretion in interpreting and
applying a federal requirement.]
These three instances point to the incredible assortment of both designs and responses
by state and local agencies to federal policies and demonstrate the framework to Wright’s
overlapping authority perspective.
On the contrary, O’Toole and Christensen (2013) remind us that the inclusive and
coordinated authority models are at the opposite ends of a spectrum. In the first, hierarchy
prevails; in the second, the national and state governments are equal and autonomous.
Besides, most academic research suggests the two models inadequately and inaccurately
describe how the bulk of the governmental operations are conducted in the United States
(p.57).
Given these points, the overlapping-authority model was the most informative. The
general picture emerging from the analysis is that the influence of the overlapping model
shows fascinating patterns in the United States policy development, program relationships,
and administrative practices. The overlapping authority framework provided essential
insights into the interconnecting roles of national, state, and local governments.
Romans 13:1 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there
is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (English
Standard Version Bible, 2001). God reminds us that no authority rises above the Word of
God. We must make an effort to abide by the system of government laws, show respect to our
administrators or leaders, and take part in the political process as a servant leader when
appropriate.
References:
Agranoff, R., & Radin, B. A. (2015). Deil wright’s overlapping model of intergovernmental
relations: The basis for contemporary intergovernmental relationships. Publius, 45(1), 139-
159. https://doi.org/10.1093/publius/pju036 Links to an external site.
Davidson, N. M. (2019). The dilemma of localism in an era of polarization. The Yale Law
Journal, 128(4), 954-1000.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV
Online. https://esv.literalword.com/ Links to an external site.
O’Toole, Jr., Laurence J., and Robert K. Christensen, eds. 2013. American Intergovernmental
Relations: Foundations, Perspectives, and Issues. 5th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press.
ISBN: 9781452226293
Scaliger, C. (2016, November 07). What Is Federalism? The New American, 32,
30. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fmagazines%2Fwhat-is-federalism%2Fdocview
%2F1840844659%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085 Links to an external
site.
