Exam 1: New Directions for State and Local Governments

The territorial range of government authority is referred to as a

The most intractable problem for states and localities involves money.

The pure forms of political culture presented by Daniel Elazar no longer characterize many states.

During the last three decades, states and localities have generally increased their capacity to provide services. Discuss factors that reinforce the performance of states and localities during this time period. In doing so, illustrate each factor with an example.

During the 1980s, states experienced resurgence, but by the 1990s, the resurgence had waned as states became more reactive rather than proactive due to fiscal stress caused by the poor condition of the national economy.

As a general rule, state governments prefer to increase user charges, gasoline taxes, and so-called sin taxes on alcohol and tobacco. They only reluctantly raise sales and income taxes.

Daniel Elazar used the term political culture to refer to

Among the factors that contributed to state resurgence are: reformed constitutions, reformed institutions, and the presence of active state and local lobbyist organizations at the national level.

The term used by Bowman and Kearney that refers to the ability of government to respond effectively to change, to make decisions efficiently and responsively, and to manage conflict is

In 2011, Minnesota's state government shut down for 11 days due primarily to

Increased national-state conflict seems the inevitable result of

Rainy day funds are monies set aside in good economic times for use when state revenues decline.

Federalism is best described as a

What are cultural wars, and how have they affected politics in the states? Provide some examples that illustrate how cultural wars have affected politics and policy in the states.

Population changes carry enormous economic and political consequences for state and local governments. Generally, power and influence follow populations. Describe the trends of the late 2000s and what implications they have for states and the Congress.

Population shifts can have significant political or economic consequences for state and local governments.

Fiscal stress refers to

A recent estimate by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security placed the number of illegal immigrants at approximately

In the aftermath of the Great Recession, the "new normal" characterizes an environment for states with

In the last several years following the Great Recession, states' and localities' budgets have been hit very hard. Discuss several ways this fiscal stress has impacted the states. Conclude with a discussion of what the future might hold for state governments and their capacity to provide services as a result of this recent fiscal stress.