Defining State and National Government, Essay Example

The state and federal governments are different trustees and agents and of the people, established with different powers and intended for different purpose. As such, the significance of both governments to the growth and development to the economy cannot be understated. Madison and Grodzin make an important distinction between federal and state governments. These differences highlight the importance of making a distinction between the two types and levels of government. There are two significant reasons for distinguishing the federal governments from the national government.

Defined Roles

The federal and state governments are two types and levels of governments that can operate simultaneously. However, each government has been created for a particular purpose. It is important that the roles and responsibilities be defined to avoid conflict between the two levels of government. These include policy making and functional areas. The national government’s roles are geared towards serving the whole nation (Hamilton, Madison, & Jay, 2001). However, the roles of a state government are designed to serve individual’s within the given state.

Defined Powers

The federal system is characterized by two or more governments that share authority over the same populations within the same geographic area (Grodzins, 2013). It is essential that the powers and abilities of both governments be defined to avoid conflict when an overlap occurs. Laws of the national governments are applicable all individuals living with the borders of a sovereign nation. However, the laws of each state apply only to its residents.

To avoid conflict between these two levels of government, the state government is supreme over all state constitutions. By defining this important hierarchy in terms of power, the application of state and federal laws are subject to the national constitution.

In conclusion, the state and federal governments are different trustees and agents and of the people the national government’s roles are geared towards serving the whole nation. However, the roles of a state government are designed to serve individual’s within the given state. Laws of the national governments are applicable all individuals living with the borders of a sovereign nation. However, the laws of each state apply only to its residents.

References

Grodzins, M. (2013). The Federal System. In L. J. O’Toole, American intergovernmental relations : foundations, perspectives, and issues (5th ed., pp. 37-46). Thousand Oaks: CQ Press.

Hamilton, A., Madison, J., & Jay, J. (2001). Federal v. Consolidated Government. In P. B. Kurland, R. Lerner, & J. E. Cooke (Ed.), The Federalist (Vol. 1, pp. 253-257). Middletown: University of Chicago Press. Retrieved March 21, 2015, from http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch8s27.html