Federalism In Texas Politics

Probably one of the most controversial topics in Texas politics is government involvement in state’s affairs. It seems like a constant battle as each law is passed, each vote is made, and each official is elected. Texas republicans stay ever vigilant to see whether each move either gives more power to the national government, or allows more freedoms and independence to the states. As we all know, the political culture in Texas is that of a vocal, cavalier one. Texas has a proud past of being a very important player in the nation’s economy, and it hopes to stay that way. Some argue that strong national government is a threat to the sovereignty of the states. Much debate is ongoing in regards to the relationship between the federal and state government. In fact, the Civil War was a culmination of events rooted in this difference of opinion. Dual federalism is something that is hoped for by many southern states. They call for a federal government that derives its power from the state governments. This could be …show more content…
This coercive federalism has happened more than often in the past and looks like it will happen more in the future as well. Not only are these regulations imposed on the states by the federal government, but they are levied on the states with the use of leverage in the form of threats to defend other federally funded programs in use by the states. These new policies are not just forced on the states are also not even funded by the federal government. For example, when the federal Americans with disabilities act was passed that required street curbs to be accessible to wheelchairs, the federal government did not provide the funds to pay for the curbs. The states and local government were left with the