State governments in the United States are modeled after the federal government and comprise three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution requires that all states maintain a “republican form” of government, but the specific three-branch structure is not mandatory.
Key Facts
- Structure: State governments are modeled after the federal government and consist of three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial.
- Republican Form: The U.S. Constitution mandates that all states uphold a “republican form” of government, although the three-branch structure is not required.
- Powers: The 10th Amendment to the Constitution gives all powers to the states, except where the Constitution specifically says otherwise.
- Budgets: State and local government budgets are significant and represent a sizable portion of the economy. State and local governments collected and spent amounts equal to 13.1 percent and 14.7 percent of GDP, respectively.
- Revenue Collection: States and localities employ a diverse assortment of revenue collection methods, including property taxes, individual and sales taxes. The share of revenues coming from the local versus the state level varies widely across states.
- Expenditures: State budgets focus on public welfare and postsecondary education, while local budgets are dominated by K-12 education. State governments provide the bulk of funding for higher education.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: States differ in their use of cost-benefit analysis for policymaking. Some states, like Washington, New Mexico, and Colorado, use cost-benefit analysis in multiple policy areas, while others do not use it at all.
- Non-Compete Enforcement: State governments have different policies regarding the enforcement of non-compete agreements between workers and firms. Some states enforce non-competes in an employer-friendly manner, while others do not enforce them at all.
The 10th Amendment to the Constitution grants all powers to the states, except those expressly delegated to the federal government. This means that states have considerable authority in various areas, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and law enforcement.
State and Local Government Budgets
State and local government budgets represent a significant portion of the U.S. economy. In 2017, state and local governments collected and spent 13.1 percent and 14.7 percent of GDP, respectively. These budgets are used to fund a wide range of public services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public assistance.
State and local governments employ various revenue collection methods, including property taxes, individual income taxes, and sales taxes. The share of revenues coming from the local versus the state level varies widely across states.
State Government Expenditures
State budgets prioritize public welfare and postsecondary education. Public welfare programs, such as Medicaid and Temporary Aid for Needy Families, constitute a significant portion of state expenditures. States also provide the bulk of funding for higher education institutions.
Local budgets, on the other hand, are primarily focused on K-12 education. Local governments are responsible for funding and operating public schools within their jurisdictions.
Cost-Benefit Analysis in State Policymaking
Cost-benefit analysis is a technique used to evaluate the potential benefits and costs of policy proposals. States differ in their use of cost-benefit analysis for policymaking. Some states, such as Washington and Colorado, have implemented cost-benefit analysis in multiple policy areas, while others do not use it at all.
Non-Compete Enforcement in State Governments
Non-compete agreements are contracts that prevent employees from working for competing employers after leaving their current job. State governments have different policies regarding the enforcement of non-compete agreements. Some states, like Florida, enforce non-competes in an employer-friendly manner, while other states, like California, do not enforce them at all.
References:
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/state-local-government/
- https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/state-government/391003
- https://www.brookings.edu/articles/nine-facts-about-state-and-local-policy/
FAQs
What is a state government?
A state government is the governing body of a state, one of the 50 constituent political entities of the United States of America. State governments are modeled after the federal government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
What are the powers of state governments?
State governments have a wide range of powers, including the authority to regulate intrastate commerce, provide for public health and safety, establish and maintain public schools, and administer elections. The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves all powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
How are state governments structured?
State governments are typically structured with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is headed by a governor, who is responsible for enforcing state laws and managing the state’s executive departments. The legislative branch is typically a bicameral legislature, consisting of a senate and a house of representatives. The judicial branch is headed by a state supreme court, which interprets state laws and resolves legal disputes.
How are state governments funded?
State governments are primarily funded through taxes, including income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. States also receive funding from the federal government in the form of grants and other assistance programs.
What are the main responsibilities of state governments?
State governments are responsible for a wide range of public services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement. States also regulate businesses and professions, and administer elections.
How do state governments differ from the federal government?
State governments have more limited powers than the federal government, and they are subject to the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. States also have more flexibility than the federal government to tailor their laws and policies to the needs of their citizens.
How do state governments differ from local governments?
State governments have broader authority than local governments, and they are responsible for a wider range of public services. Local governments typically have more limited powers and are responsible for providing more localized services, such as garbage collection, zoning, and parks and recreation.