The Machinery of Government

The Machinery of Government Course: Instructor: Date: Since adoption of federalism, the USA has been governed under the three levels of government at the local, state and federal level. Federalism sought to ensure that decentralization increased effectiveness of running the federal system. There are 50 states in America, but laws may differ depending on legislations adopted in each state (Hudgins, 1997). States also have their own constitutions distinct from the federal constitution, but the federal constitution is the superior paramount law (Stephens & Scheb, 2008). The three forms of governments have a system of checks and balances to reduce excesses from government officials. However conflicts may arise between the federal governments and the other two governments, if federal laws seem too broad to tackle specific issues affecting communities like federal immigration laws (Jorgensen, 1997). This paper will highlight on differences in federal, state and local governments in the U.S. The major differences among the three forms of governments are on the functions which they perform. The federal government is tasked with negotiating international trade agreements as well as overseeing overall commercial activities of the country, but state governments may agree on provisions of such trade agreements (Hudgins, 1997). On the contrary, states and local governments cannot enter into international trade agreements, and states are allowed to approve amendments to the constitution. However, states can also make and implement laws like in the federal governments. Since local governments do not have authority in law making, they are mostly tasked with provision of services at the local level. Public works then falls under authority of local governments, who oversee construction, maintenance and management of water and sewerage system. Another difference between the federal government and the other two forms of governments is that the federal government has more authority through the three arms of the government. Even though, the US constitution does not mention local governments, there is a provision that powers can be delegated to states, and states then outline powers of local governments (Donovan et al., 2007 ).Even though, states have the legislature, judiciary and executive arms, their power are within the state only. The legislative arm of federal government occurs through the legislative powers of congress, with committees in the House and Senate mandated with this function. ...