Like every state, Texas is made up of cities, towns and communities. However, it is also a state and must balance local independence (letting local folks make decisions) with state law. Where do you think that balance should be- with local governments (Mayors and City Councils) or with state government (Governor and the Legislature)? Do you think it should vary by policy area?

Answer:

The national federalist system is a model, which establishes the sharing of the “powers of government” between states and the federal government. In the same way that the governmentof Texas is modeled after the federal government, it could also use the federalist model for establishing the balance between local governments and the state government. First, establish the powers of the state government and then without overlap but regaining reasonable sharing ofsome power, establish the powers for the local government. This accomplishes two things: limiting the power of the state and placing the power of the government into the hands of the people. The people must vote to establish this balance like the federal government.

A some what simplistic idea would be that the state is in charge of interstate trade (as with the federal government) while local governments are in charge of collecting sales taxes. They would both share the responsibilities for education and providing for the general welfare. Elections could be handled by the local governments.