POL 206_ Unit 1 Writing Assignment

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University Of Arizona *

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206

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Political Science

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Apr 3, 2024

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Liufau 1 Taeiao Liufau POL 206 Unit 1: Writing Assignment February 24, 2024 Option 2: Federal, State, Local Governments, and Authority for Law Enforcement Activities. Montesquieu, an 18th-century philosopher, created the term 'Separation of Powers'. Separation of powers is a concept in which the government is divided into several branches, each with distinct and autonomous functions. This arrangement ensures that no one branch of government is more powerful than another (School, Separation of powers 2023). Typically, this system divides the government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Our government's essential functions and structures are divided into different levels of authority in a federalist system like the United States. This division of authority between federal, state, and local governments is rooted in legal, philosophical, and historical reasons. Separation of powers in the United States is related to the Checks and Balances system. The Checks and Balances system gives every department of government specific powers to check the other branches and prevent any one branch from becoming overpowering (School, Separation of powers 2023). For example, Congress can make laws, the President can veto them, and the Supreme Court can deem legislation unconstitutional. From a legal standpoint, the division of authority between federal, state, and local governments is outlined in the Constitution, which grants certain powers to the federal government while reserving others for the states. This division of powers, known as federalism, was established to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch or level of government, thus safeguarding individual liberties and promoting a system of checks and balances.

Liufau 2 There are three main reasons why so many countries are implementing federal systems, which involve increased political and administrative decentralization. In certain countries, federalism grants autonomy and control over the affairs of various ethnic and regional groups. The theory is that if different ethnic and regional minorities have some autonomy or the ability to direct their local affairs in terms of education, culture, and economic development, they will feel more secure and willing to accept the authority and legitimacy of the more significant national state (Diamond, Why decentralize power in a democracy? 2024). Philosophically, federalism reflects the belief in decentralization of power and the idea that the government closest to the people is most responsive to their needs and concerns. This philosophy supports delegating specific governance responsibilities to state and local governments, thus allowing for a more tailored approach to addressing the unique needs of diverse communities within the country. Historically, the division of authority between federal, state, and local governments is rooted in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which reserves powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. This historical context reflects the Founding Fathers' desire to strike a balance between a strong national government and the rights and autonomy of individual states ( Tenth Amendment 2023). The Tenth Amendment defines federalism or the relationship between the federal and state governments. As federal activity has grown, so has the challenge of balancing state and national interests as they relate to the federal powers to tax, police, and control, such as wage and hour guidelines, disclosure of personal information in recordkeeping systems, and strip-mining legislation. In law enforcement, this division of authority means that the different levels of government undertake specific tasks. Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF, enforce federal laws, investigate and prosecute federal crimes, and protect national

Liufau 3 security ( Legislative activity 2023). State law enforcement agencies, such as state police departments, enforce state laws, maintain public order, and support local law enforcement agencies. Local law enforcement agencies, such as city and county police departments, enforce local ordinances, respond to calls for service, and ensure public safety within their respective jurisdictions The division of authority for law enforcement activities between federal, state, and local governments is appropriate. This division allows for a multi-faceted approach to addressing crime and public safety, with each level of government playing a distinct role while supporting and complementing the efforts of the others. Regarding law enforcement tasks, the division of authority between federal, state, and local governments is based on overlapping jurisdiction. Generally, the federal government handles issues of national security, immigration, and interstate crime, such as drug trafficking and organized crime. It allows for a more tailored and specific approach to law enforcement, as different levels of government can focus on their constituents' particular needs and concerns. Additionally, it promotes better accountability, as citizens can more easily hold their local and state officials responsible for law enforcement issues that directly affect them. Overall, the division of authority between federal, state, and local governments is a foundational aspect of the American system of government and is designed to balance power, promote accountability, and address the population's diverse needs. While it has its drawbacks, the principle of federalism allows for a more nuanced and responsive approach to law enforcement. The division of authority between federal, state, and local governments is essential to the functioning of our government in a federalist system. This division is grounded in legal, philosophical, and historical principles and ensures a balanced distribution of power, protects

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