The Influence of the State and Federal Government

We all know government impacts or influence our lives every day but that influence is different at the state level than the federal level. Both levels of government have distinct authority and as such their influence and their impact are different. The laws of each state affect the citizens of that state which must abide or conform to the laws, rules and regulations which are enacted by the state legislature. The influence of the state has a wider influence than the citizens of each state. As we travel through or visit particular states we also must abide by the laws in place. One example involves speed limits posted on highways throughout a state. We must travel within the limits posted. Sometimes states enact unique or unusual laws which start a chain reaction in terms of other states considering such action. We have seen several examples recently in the news where action in one or more states causes action to be considered in multiple states. The influence one state has on another is not direct as there is no direct connection between the laws of one state over another.

States have distinct responsibilities as identified under the Constitution and as such they generate an influence as to how or what citizens can or cannot do. Laws generated states with reference to their responsibilities vary from one state to another but it does not mean their influence is any less. States also impact or influence the federal government in relation to the individuals their citizens elect to represent them at the federal level. This type of influence is critical in relation to the culture of how the federal government operates from one year to another and what laws or actions are taken.

The influence of state government is not just about the laws they generate but include their residents. Each state is awarded or assigned whichever the case may be has so many electoral votes when it is time for electing a President. Each political party has primaries where candidates running for President have so many votes as they are provided from the political parties. Candidates running for President who win a number of states can win the nomination when they have achieved the required total. Candidates who win the electoral votes during the presidential election in each state will come closer with each state primary election. In some cases votes are split dependent upon the percentage of votes cast for each candidate but in other cases all votes are awarded to the candidate who wins the most votes. The influence of states in primary or presidential elections and their impact can and will impact the outcome of the political structure of the federal government. While some focus is given during these election events the influence of the decisions made is far reaching.

The influence of the federal government is much more far reaching as the laws, rules and regulations impact every citizen in the United States either directly or indirectly. Influence at the federal level also involves the responsibilities of the federal government in the Constitution. Decisions made either through laws or regulations affect every citizen. We must understand laws which target specific segments of our society does not limit the impact they will have. Each action impacting any segment of society if it entails a cost factor this costs flows down to the consumer who will ultimately buy the product or service.

The influence of the federal government is also not just about the laws and regulations but the manner and culture in which the federal government operates. The philosophy of the federal government and those who represent us can influence our reaction when unpopular laws or regulations are generated. Today the opinion of the work Congress and the President are doing is the lowest it has been in years. We are not going to like all the laws and regulations generated by the federal government and whether we like them or not we must abide by them. This does not mean that we are not influenced by them. Every decision made whether it is at the state or federal level will have a reaction. Basically every action will have a reaction and the influence of state and federal governments cannot ignore that what they do will influence the actions of others. When individuals vote in any election the influence generated by the respective government will be seen in the votes which are cast. Voting decisions are a reaction to the influence of government on each and every citizen. The upcoming primaries and general election in November will see the reaction of voters with regards the influence government has had on their lives and whether they agree with the influence cast as a result of laws and regulations.