American Politics Today - Essentials (3rd Ed)

80 CHAPTER 3|FEDERALISM

Second, government that is closer to the people encourages participation in the

political process. Local politicians know better what their constituents want than

farther-removed national politicians do. On the one hand, if voters want higher

taxes to pay for more public benefi ts, such as public parks and better schools, they

can enact these changes at the state and local levels. On the other hand, if they

prefer lower taxes and fewer services, local politicians can be responsive to those

desires. Also, local government provides a broad range of opportunities for direct

involvement in politics, from working on local political campaigns to attending

school board or city council meetings. When citizens are able to directly aff ect poli-

cies, they are more likely to get involved in the political process.

Source: State and Local Government Finance Data Query System, http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/slf-dqs/pages.cfm (accessed 8/16/12).

TYPES OF SPENDING PER CAPITA BY STATE

Spending varies dramatically by state. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in a low-spending state
or in a high-spending state? Which type of state would you rather live in?

FIGURE » 3.2

ARTNGAIDAZMOOKTXNCKYSDNHINUTNVWVALCOMIVAFLSCMTOHNEPAMSILKSORWIMEIANDMDRIWAMAMNCTVTLANMCADENJHINYWYDCAK

$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

$14,000

$16,000

$18,000

Education Public Welfare

& Health

Highways Police Other