The organization, traditions, salaries, and staffing of state legislatures vary. There is minimal consideration for seniority in springboard legislation. Most members use their seats in the House as a stepping stone to higher political positions. There is a higher level of professionalism in career legislature, and there are no term limitations, so legislators keep their services if re-elected. It provides adequate pay to members. Usually, one may create a profession out of it and earn more money. To fill this position in the dead-end legislature, a member must be recruited. Progressive rise to additional top positions is uncommon in the dead-end legislature. Members cannot use their services to grow politically, and the pay is meager thus a dead-end legislature. (Jewell p.3)
Differences between state-centered and nation-centered views of federalism
State-centered view of federalism brings about the concept of dual sovereignty. The federal government has supreme and sovereign powers in lawmaking. However, the states also possess sovereignty and authority to make their laws. The state itself structures political life in a way that is independent of power distribution. The national government represents a constitution which gives the states the ability to govern themselves.
In nation-centered federalism ultimate sovereignty and supremacy lie on the federal government. It argues that however, states have the mandate to formulate laws governing their state population, those laws should not violate the federal regulations. Therefore, the federal government retains the power and authority to rule over the states (Zekos, p.4)
Dual and cooperative conceptions of federalism and the more advantageous
Differences
Dual concept of federalism emphasizes on divided sovereignty, a political structure where power is shared between federal and state government under clear terms. State governments retain authority and ability to govern without interference from central government.
Cooperative federalism concept is based on integration between state and federal government. The federal government acts as a central point where federal agencies deliver guidelines down to state agencies. There is compelling collaboration, cooperation, and coordination between the two governments.
The more advantageous
Cooperative federalism concept appears to be more advantageous for the state. This is because there exist sufficient intervention by the federal government in the affairs of the states. Also, states experience national problems such as poverty, AIDS, and racism which calls for federal intervention. These issues are well addressed if state governments are well integrated with the national government (Branham, p.10)
Strategies governors use to influence legislatures in their states
The governor makes several appointments to different entities within the state. The power of appointment acts as an essential source the governor can use to build support and achieve political goals. Governors can use their staff, lobbyists, and personal influence to better relations with legislatures to influence the legislative process.
Governors can use instructional media to influence legislatures to accomplish political or policy interests. They use mass electronic media, and primary television to grow political support. This enables them to gather a powerful influence in bargaining with legislators. The state governors exercise veto powers over the legislative process. These capabilities allow them to nullify bills and specific resolutions. The governors can use the threat of the veto to influence legislation process (McGrath, p.35)
Decentralized structure of political party system in United States
Decentralization of political party system enables distribution of resources, authority, and responsibilities over various levels of the country. Political decentralization leads to the formation of distinct sub-national party systems that boost competitions for subnational offices. The presence of a subnational electoral arena and fiscal decentralization has encouraged regionalization of the vote.
In a decentralized party system, homogenizing functional cleavages are weakened. The formation of national party systems is inhibited. Granting political authority and legitimacy to local politicians through subnational election provides access to resources and some influence from the central point. Studies have illustrated that in many third wave democracies, fiscal decentralization has strengthened local people and provided for particularity exchange (Faguet, p.8)
References
Jewell, Malcolm E. Representation in state legislatures. University Press of Kentucky, 2015.
Zekos, Georgios. “Politics Overrides the Rule of Law.” (2016).
Branham, J. Alexander. “Federalism and Separation of Powers.” (2016).
McGrath, Robert J., Jon C. Rogowski, and Josh M. Ryan. “The Power of Institutional Design: Governors, Vetoes, and Legislative Outcomes.” The American Governor. Palgrave Macmillan US, 2015. 31-47.
Faguet, Jean-Paul. “Decentralization and governance.” World Development 53 (2014): 2-13.
