University of Kwazulu-Natal

2024 Scorecard Federalism Scorecard

Bonisiwe Shabane
-
2024 scorecard federalism scorecard

This special report prepared by the Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network is derived from a 50-state analysis of multiple variables—our Federalism Scorecard—that reveal the vulnerability of states to influence by federal... States that perform well on this Scorecard place authority over internal state agency operations, as well as the state’s relationship with federal agencies, in the hands of elected officials rather than unelected administrators. We include the extent to which state agencies are accountable to legislators in our analysis (rather than simply looking at state–federal relations), because federal agencies often exert power through their state counterparts. If elected officials don’t have visibility and oversight with regard to their own state’s agencies, in other words, they won’t be able to check federal influence over how their own laws and budgets are... The first set of variables assesses the extent to which elected representatives properly govern state agencies, and the second set assesses the extent to which those representatives have visibility and authority over their state’s... This report draws its reform recommendations from the best laws in “red” and “blue” states alike, consistent with the principle that citizens ought to be governed by people they elect.

Compare with the 2023 Federalism Scorecard For full explanations and footnotes please see the Federalism Scorecard The Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network released the 2024 Federalism Scorecard —a report that reveals the vulnerability of states to influence by the federal government. Before we get into the details of the report, let’s first explore why federalism matters and how the balance of power in America has shifted away from states and toward Washington, DC Federalism is a system of government—America’s system—where some powers belong to the national government, and some powers belong to state governments. While the federal government plays an important role, the US Constitution reserves significant powers for states and communities—and ultimately, for the American people.

This balance ensures that government remains close to those it serves. However, over the years, power has shifted away from the states and towards the federal government. America’s federalist system, as it was designed, is no longer recognizable. Power has centralized in Washington DC primarily through federal agencies—or government organizations under the Executive Branch that were created to help the president enforce the laws. Think the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While only a handful of agencies existed during America’s early days, that number has increased significantly.

Today, there are over 400federal agencies with thousands of employees. The State Policy Network has released an updated version of its “Federalism Scorecard.” Read more here. Two months ago, we made note of the Cato Institute’s Freedom ranking, which places Nebraska towards the bottom (at 38th) of the 50-state analysis of freedom components. A new ranking system—a “Federalism Scorecard” has just been released by the Center for Practical Federalism, and Nebraska’s ranking on that index is even lower—at 43rd. This latest scorecard is focused on the importance of federalism—the system of shared powers between state and national government that the founders of the United States envisioned. This principle was premised on the notion that some powers inherently rested at the national level to maintain order and good relationships among the states—things like national defense and interstate commerce and creating a...

On the other side, however, were the powers best left closer to the people with their assorted local and regional differences in perspective—the governing powers best left to the states. Over time, those powers have included things like determining speed limits and most crimes or developing laws for the health and safety of the population. Over the years, federalism has taken on two primary forms, waxing and waning between the two: dual federalism and cooperative federalism. SPN Center for Practical Federalism's updated 2024 Federalism Scorecard highlights the need for states to oversee their agencies and resist federal influence. Is your state safeguarding self-governance? Discover the rankings: https://lnkd.in/g6TSKmPP #Federalism #SelfGovernance

Rensel Consulting’s Senior Policy Advisor Roger J. Cohen shares his insights in Route Fifty on how regional collaboration can help governments deliver services more efficiently and effectively. As public agencies face tighter budgets and complex challenges, regional approaches can bridge jurisdictions, improve coordination, and enhance community outcomes. Read the full article below 👇 We’d love to hear your thoughts: Where have you seen regionalism succeed (or fail) in service delivery? What barriers must be addressed for regional models to become more mainstream? Public policy counsel.

Transportation, Infrastructure, Mobility, Sustainability, Regional planning. The US government's chaotic withdrawal of support for vital public services has left our traditional notion of American #federalism in tatters, and we are at the tipping point of a devastating dam burst of... #Innovation and #efficiency will be critical as never before, and regional jurisidctions like Councils of Government (COGs) and Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations (M/RPOs) are an untapped source of opportunity for government #reinvention. My latest article in Route Fifty describes the moment and the possibilities. #regional_planning #states #local #government #public_administration https://lnkd.in/eYRa5Uzx Brittany Panuccio's confirmation into the EEOC has restored the agency’s quorum, and changes to the PWFA are likely on the way.

Don't miss this blog post from Tara Burke, Joseph Lynett and Katharine Weber for a deep dive into potential policy impacts. https://lnkd.in/e6uq9z6h

People Also Search

This Special Report Prepared By The Center For Practical Federalism

This special report prepared by the Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network is derived from a 50-state analysis of multiple variables—our Federalism Scorecard—that reveal the vulnerability of states to influence by federal... States that perform well on this Scorecard place authority over internal state agency operations, as well as the state’s relationship with federal agencies, i...

Compare With The 2023 Federalism Scorecard For Full Explanations And

Compare with the 2023 Federalism Scorecard For full explanations and footnotes please see the Federalism Scorecard The Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network released the 2024 Federalism Scorecard —a report that reveals the vulnerability of states to influence by the federal government. Before we get into the details of the report, let’s first explore why federalism matters and ho...

This Balance Ensures That Government Remains Close To Those It

This balance ensures that government remains close to those it serves. However, over the years, power has shifted away from the states and towards the federal government. America’s federalist system, as it was designed, is no longer recognizable. Power has centralized in Washington DC primarily through federal agencies—or government organizations under the Executive Branch that were created to hel...

Today, There Are Over 400federal Agencies With Thousands Of Employees.

Today, there are over 400federal agencies with thousands of employees. The State Policy Network has released an updated version of its “Federalism Scorecard.” Read more here. Two months ago, we made note of the Cato Institute’s Freedom ranking, which places Nebraska towards the bottom (at 38th) of the 50-state analysis of freedom components. A new ranking system—a “Federalism Scorecard” has just b...

On The Other Side, However, Were The Powers Best Left

On the other side, however, were the powers best left closer to the people with their assorted local and regional differences in perspective—the governing powers best left to the states. Over time, those powers have included things like determining speed limits and most crimes or developing laws for the health and safety of the population. Over the years, federalism has taken on two primary forms,...