Discussion Intergovernmental Relationion

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Liberty University *

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Political Science

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Apr 3, 2024

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While disclosing the limitation of simplified intergovernmental relations, which are complex, Wright classified and categorized three intergovernmental models. The three models are the coordinated-Authority Model (autonomy), Inclusive-Authority Model (hierarchy), and Overlapping-Authority Model (bargaining). Despite the imperfections, these IGR models assist us in formulating hypotheses where we could test and discover which model best represents the American intergovernmental system. The coordinated authority Model portrays a sharp and distinct separation between the federal government and the state governments, where they have autonomy, although the local governments are dependent on state governments. The Inclusive-Authority Model conveyed the hierarchical nature of authority where the federal government has a predominant role in national public policy and politics, and States and local governments are just followers of the national government with insignificant roles. The Overlapping-Authority Model depicts the bargaining power-sharing model, where the power and responsibilities are shared simultaneously between each of the layers of government. The power and influence of any particular level of government are limited (O'Toole & Christensen, 2015). While many debates over the theory of federalism and power-sharing models in the United States, the Overlapping-Authority Model best represents the American intergovernmental system out of the three IGR models. Wright (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013) also agree that the Overlapping-Authority Model is the most representative model of IGR practice as the inclusive- authority and coordinate-authority models of IGR are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. There are significant functions of governmental operations involving national, state, and localities simultaneously (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013, p57). It is important to explore what is Federalism first before categorizing the American intergovernmental system. In the class lecture's lecture presentation, Dr. Emily defined Federalism as a compound form of government in which there is a division of powers between two or more equal governments that are interdependent. Morton Grodzins defines "Federalism as a device for dividing decisions and functions of government." (O'Toole & Christensen, 2015, p37). In his book Exploring Federalism, Elazar (1991) states, "Federalism has to do with the need of people and polities to unite for common purposes yet remain separate to preserve their respective integrities. Federalism is concerned simultaneously with the diffusion of political power in the name of liberty and its concentration on behalf of unity or energetic government." (Elazar, 1991, p.33) Morton Grodzins (O'Toole et al., 2013) elaborate that " the accurate image of the American form of government as the rainbow or marble cake, characterized by an inseparable mingling of differently colored ingredients, the colors appearing in vertical and diagonal strands and unexpected whirls. As colors are mixed in the marble cake, so functions are mixed in the American federal system." (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013, p37) Grodzins also explains that the role of sanitarians or health officers indicates the overlapping authority model. The state-appointed sanitarian's salary comes jointly from state and federal funds, while his office was provided by the county, and the city also contributed to his salary. (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013, p37). As it is impossible to separate different color strands in the

marble cake, it is hard to distinguish the roles of national, state, and localities in many areas of the government. Secondly, the US welfare system also portrays that citizens are expected to get services from the federal government, but these are often managed by the states and localities. There are many overlapping policies and procedures being regulated by different governments and implementation agencies and committees in the welfare system. The federal welfare expenditure could stimulate the state's economic development directly, and federal intergovernmental transfers are an important policy mechanism for the state economies (Shin & Hall, 2018). Thirdly, Federal grant programs are also an obvious example of utilizing the Overlapping- Authority Model. Federal-state-local collaboration can be seen in sharing other areas, even in the absence of joint government. The federal expertise could assist the local jail building's water purification system, etc. (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013, p38-39). Therefore, it is very apparent the American intergovernmental system represents the Overlapping-Authority Model. There have been many changes in the American government as the power-sharing of the federal government and state/local governments has evolved over the years. It is worth pondering and evaluating what extent the other two models, the inclusive authority model or coordinated authority model, are present in US politics, policy, and administration. Wright (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013) state the hallmarks of the inclusive-authority model is that the state and local governments depend totally on decisions that are national in scope and arrived at by the national government or by powerful economic interest or by some combination of the two. (O’Toole & Christensen, 2015, p 56). While conservatives believe that the powerful federal government is weakening the states and local governments, liberals believe that the national government should be in charge. (O’Toole & Christensen, 2015). While it is hard to measure how much of the hierarchical, inclusive-authority model exists in the United States, the inclusive authority model does not currently represent American intergovernmental relations as a whole. It is apparent the power of the localities during the COVID-19 pandemic, where each city, county, or state has its own public health rules and regulations. The coordinated authority model depicted the distinct separation between the federal government and the state/local governments, and the federal and state governments are independent and autonomous while linking only tangentially. It is obvious that America does not represent a coordinated authority model. Wright (O'Toole & Christensen, 2013) stated, "IGR model builders are probably in near-unanimous agreement that the coordinate-authority model is obsolete, addressed as it is to nonexistent social and political condition." The functions of the State, Local, and Federal systems are all mixed up like a marble cake (O'Toole & Christensen, 2015, p. 37). We are studying the forms, power sharing, and structure of governments so that we may have a positive impact on policy-making as Christians. The scripture, Isaiah 33:22 (new international version), says, "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us." 1 Timothy 2:2 (new international version) teaches us, "For kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." We are to study and obey the authority of the government, but it is important to remember that God is the only true authority and has the power to control. There will always be flaws in any

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