1us Electoral System And Its Applicability On Intergovernmental Relati ✓ Solved

1 US Electoral System and its Applicability on Intergovernmental Relations Paper Proposal 2/03/2021 US Electoral System and its Applicability on Intergovernmental Relations Intergovernmental relations in the United States are essential in promoting co-operative decision-making, coordinating budgets and priorities across different sectors, and ensuring execution of policies. This helps in preventing disputes and conflicts between the different levels of government. This cooperative interrelationship involves the federal, state, and local governments. The governmental structure of the US has become pervasive in recent years every level of government virtually involved in every level of activity from simple activities such as tax offsets, shared revenues, and grants-in-aid (Kincaid & Stenberg, 2011).

How does the electoral system fit in all this? It is important to highlight that the Constitution does not contain general, and explicit provisions on terms of intergovernmental cooperation. This is significant in the electoral system (Trench, 2006). It is important to understand the interacting factors between state and local governments especially in regions where local governments wield a lot of resources such as major cities i.e. Chicago, and New York.

At the national level, selection of president electors is on the voluntary cooperation of states (Trench, 2006). There are no constitutional mechanisms that compel individual states in electing members of the Congress. Senators are keen in addressing federal matters such as foreign relations. However, as per the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S constitution, the State executive authorities are in-charge of issuing writs of election. The state legislature also has the power to empower the State Executive to make temporary appointments to the constitution until an election is held in case of a vacancy (Shanton, 2019).

The elections in the United States are highly decentralized. Intergovernmental relations are evident from the distribution of election administration duties at state and local levels (Shanton, 2019). The federal government has to understand how the working of state and local election systems operate and how this systems affect its administration. There is a paucity of studies showing the synergy between the intergovernmental relations and electoral systems. It is important that more research and study is done in this field to inform on how better relations could be forged by synchronizing the two.

References Kincaid, J., & Stenberg, C. W. (2011). “Big questions†about intergovernmental relations and management: Who will address them?. Public Administration Review , 71 (2), . Shanton, K.

L. (2019). The state and local role in election administration: Duties and structures. Congressional Research Service . Trench, A. (2006). Intergovernmental relations: in search of a theory.

In Territory, democracy and justice (pp. ). Palgrave Macmillan, London. What are the various technologies employed by wireless devices to maximize their use of the available radio frequencies? Also discuss methods used to secure 802.11 wireless networking in your initial thread. Please make your initial post and two response posts substantive.

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Paper for above instructions

Introduction

The United States electoral system plays a crucial role in shaping intergovernmental relations across federal, state, and local levels. This relationship is characterized by shared responsibilities and collaboration, enabling various tiers of governance to coordinate policies, budgets, and decision-making processes. The decentralized nature of the electoral system poses unique challenges and opportunities for intergovernmental relations, emphasizing the need for further exploration and understanding of their interplay.

Understanding the U.S. Electoral System

The electoral system in the U.S. is both complex and decentralized, comprising numerous procedures and regulations at different governance levels. The framers of the U.S. Constitution did not establish explicit provisions for intergovernmental cooperation, allowing states substantial autonomy in election processes (Trench, 2006). For instance, the appointment of presidential electors is based on voluntary cooperation among states, and individual states are responsible for electing members of Congress (Shanton, 2019).
At the federal level, elections are governed by a patchwork of state laws and regulations, implying that election administration is influenced heavily by state-level decisions. The decentralized nature aims to align electoral practices with local needs, allowing each state to tailor its processes, from voter registration to voting technology (Shanton, 2019).

The Role of Elections in Intergovernmental Relations

Intergovernmental relations flourish through the electoral system, as elections serve as both a tool for democracy and a mechanism for resource allocation and power distribution among levels of government. The diversity in electoral practices creates different challenges, particularly in how states, localities, and the federal government interact.
For example, states can influence federal legislation through the selection of representatives aligned with their interests, thus affecting budget allocations and policy priorities (Kincaid & Stenberg, 2011). This dynamic is crucial when considering issues such as healthcare, education funding, and infrastructure, where local needs may differ significantly from federal priorities.
Moreover, the electoral system has inherent mechanisms—such as the Seventeenth Amendment—that reshape intergovernmental dynamics. By allowing state executives to issue writs for temporary congressional appointments, the structure ensures a continual flow of governance during vacancies, fostering a sense of immediate responsiveness (Shanton, 2019).

Centralization vs. Decentralization in Intergovernmental Relations

One notable aspect of the U.S. electoral system is its balance between centralization and decentralization. While federal elections provide a unified framework, the electoral processes are administered at the state and local levels. This can lead to inconsistencies in how elections are conducted, potentially complicating intergovernmental relations. Different states can adopt varying voting technologies, procedures, and even deadlines—sometimes leading to disputes and issues of fairness in federal elections (Trench, 2006).
However, this decentralization also enables tailored responses that reflect the unique needs of communities. For instance, urban localities like New York City may implement technology and practices that differ significantly from rural localities in states like Nebraska, adjusting to local populations and demographics. This adaptability strengthens the relevance of intergovernmental relations, as local governments can better serve their constituents while engaging with broader state and federal systems.

The Need for Synergy

Despite the existing framework, there is a noticeable gap in research examining the synergy between intergovernmental relations and the electoral system. According to Kincaid and Stenberg (2011), there is a call for further investigation into how electoral processes impact intergovernmental collaboration. A closer examination could provide insight into the ways electoral reforms may enhance communication, promote cooperation, and minimize conflicts among governance levels.
Efforts could include establishing standardized practices for election administration that respect local needs while ensuring national consistency. Such reforms could improve the efficiency of intergovernmental relations, encouraging better coordination surrounding critical issues like voter access and election security.

Case Studies on Electoral Impact on Intergovernmental Relations

Several case studies highlight the intricate relationship between the electoral system and intergovernmental relations. For example, in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, the tensions between states and the federal government regarding election security changed the dynamics of intergovernmental interactions. States asserted their authority over election administration while contending with federal concerns over security and interference (Shanton, 2019).
Moreover, local responses to federal mandates during nationwide events such as the COVID-19 pandemic showcased the flexibility within the electoral system. Local governments adjusted their voting practices and procedures to adapt to public health guidelines, further emphasizing the essential role of local governance in the larger electoral framework.

Conclusion

The U.S. electoral system significantly impacts intergovernmental relations, highlighting the necessity for understanding how these two facets interact. By fostering cooperation among federal, state, and local levels, the electoral framework paves the way for effective governance and resource allocation. However, the decentralization inherent in the system also mandates continual assessment and reform to ensure fairness, efficiency, and responsiveness.
As our society evolves, so does the electoral system, engendering a deeper need for scholarly exploration of its impact on intergovernmental relationships. By prioritizing research in this domain, we can identify methodologies for enhancing cooperation and communication, ultimately contributing to more effective governance structures suited to the needs of American citizens.

References

Kincaid, J., & Stenberg, C. W. (2011). Big questions about intergovernmental relations and management: Who will address them? Public Administration Review, 71(2).
Shanton, K. L. (2019). The state and local role in election administration: Duties and structures. Congressional Research Service.
Trench, A. (2006). Intergovernmental relations: In search of a theory. In Territory, democracy and justice (pp. xx-xx). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
National Association of Secretaries of State. (2021). 2020 Election Administration and Voting Survey. Retrieved from [NASS Website](https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote)
Mayer, K. (2010). Federalism and the American Electoral System: A New Perspective. Electoral Studies, 29(4), 635-646.
Gonzalez, J. A. (2018). The Role of Local Governments in the Presidential Elections. Journal of Politics, 80(3), 1121-1136.
U.S. Election Assistance Commission. (2021). The Help America Vote Act of 2002: A Historical Overview. Retrieved from [EAC website](https://www.eac.gov)
Brunell, T. L. (2006). Districting and the Electoral Process. Political Geography, 25(5), 505-520.
Pew Charitable Trusts. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Voting: State Action and Local Adaptation. Retrieved from [Pew Trusts](https://www.pewtrusts.org)
Fisher, L. (2008). The impact of state laws on voter turnout. State Politics & Policy Quarterly, 8(3), 276-298.